Key Takeaways

  • Several treatments and home remedies can slow hair loss or stimulate hair growth.
  • Prescription medication, essential oils, and supplements can provide noticeable results.
  • Telehealth services online, such as Hims, Rex, Ro, and more, offer various hair loss treatments and clinician follow-up.
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Research shows that up to half of males and females will experience androgenetic alopecia, or genetic hair loss, in their lifetime.

In some cases, it may be possible to prevent — or at least slow down — hair loss. However, this will depend on the underlying cause of a person’s hair loss.

Some of the best prevention methods are:

  • eating a balanced diet
  • using combs with wider spaces between the bristles
  • avoiding harsh treatments and hairstyles
  • switching medications to avoid the side effect of hair loss, if possible
  • avoiding pulling or twisting hair
  • limiting stress

People may be unable to slow or prevent some types of hair loss. In these cases, they can try active treatment methods, including:

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are available that may help treat hair loss. These include foams and ointments.

The two most common medications are minoxidil (Rogaine), which is an OTC medication, and finasteride (Propecia), which requires a prescription.

Minoxidil

Scientists originally developed minoxidil to treat high blood pressure. However, the developers found that the medication had the side effect of excessive, unwanted hair growth. This effect gave drug companies reason to consider it as a treatment for male baldness.

Researchers do not know exactly how minoxidil works. The drug appears to widen the hair follicles, which causes thicker strands of hair to grow. It also increases blood flow to the hair follicles, which is thought to support hair growth.

In addition, minoxidil appears to prolong the growth period of hair, resulting in longer hair and a higher number of hair strands.

Minoxidil is safe and effective when people use it properly. It is more effective in individuals who are under 40 years of age.

Oral minoxidil is also becoming a more widely used treatment for hair loss.

A 2019 review notes that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves topical minoxidil only for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in people. However, doctors may recommend off-label minoxidil use for other hair disorders, such as alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, and hair shaft disorders.

The FDA notes that the term “off-label” refers to approved medications that doctors prescribe for unapproved uses.

Minoxidil can cause some side effects, including:

  • initial hair shedding
  • skin irritation and redness or skin color changes
  • itchy, yellow, or white scales on the scalp
  • allergic contact dermatitis
  • excessive or unwanted hair growth over the body, including on the face

Minoxidil is unsuitable for people who are pregnant or nursing or for those who have a hypersensitivity to the medication’s ingredients.

It comes in 2% and 5% strengths.

Finasteride

Finasteride is an FDA-approved treatment for male pattern baldness.

Scientists originally created finasteride to treat prostate cancer. It works by decreasing the amount of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp.

DHT appears to cause hair follicles on the scalp to become thinner, so reducing DHT levels may promote hair regrowth and slow hair loss.

This drug carries several warnings about its use. It is suitable only for those with a penis and is not suitable for people who are pregnant or nursing.

Unlike minoxidil, finasteride does not affect hair growth in other parts of the body.

Finasteride is available in both topical and oral forms. Both forms can cause side effects.

Possible side effects of finasteride include:

Individuals who use finasteride to treat male pattern hair loss may not experience noticeable results until they have been using the product for 3 months.

There are several therapies a healthcare professional may recommend.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP is a newer treatment that doctors use for androgenetic alopecia.

It involves a doctor taking a blood sample and running it through a centrifuge machine. This machine separates the PRP in the blood so the doctor can extract the platelets and inject them into specific areas of a person’s scalp.

The platelets may provide growth components to stimulate hair follicles.

According to a 2019 review, PRP therapy can reduce hair loss, but the research supporting this is of low quality.

Additionally, this treatment does not have approval from the FDA.

Surgery

The only surgery available to address hair loss is hair transplant surgery.

Hair transplantation is for people with male pattern baldness. It involves removing hair follicles from the back of the head, where they are resistant to DHT, and placing them on the scalp in areas of hair loss.

Like any other surgery, hair transplants carry the risk of complications.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that the risks of hair transplant surgery include excessive bleeding and wide scars. Additionally, there is a risk that the skin plugs may die, which requires further surgery to fix.

Laser treatments, such as combs, are a newer form of hair loss treatment. Advocates claim that these devices promote hair growth by using concentrated light to stimulate hair follicles.

Laser combs

Laser comb treatment has mixed results and may work best when combined with other forms of treatment.

A 2019 study found that a novel laser cap improved hair density and diameter, as well as the visual thickness of hair, in 19 participants. However, the authors note several limitations to this study, such as a small sample size.

There are several products people can purchase over the counter that may help prevent or slow hair loss.

Hair growth products

Therapies for hair loss often involve a combination of drugs, ointments, creams, and shampoos, which a dermatologist may prescribe.

Other therapies involve meeting with specialists.

Several companies specialize in hair treatments for people who are AMAB. They typically offer services to help determine the best course of action and tailor treatments to an individual’s needs.

Wigs and hairpieces

In some cases, hair loss may be permanent or long term.

Some people might prefer a nonmedical approach to treating hair loss. Wigs and hairpieces offer a means of working around hair loss.

Wigs and hairpieces have improved greatly in quality in recent years. Textures are suitable for more hair types, colors are more nuanced, and the application and adhesive methods are longer-lasting.

What is more, there has been a resurgence of men utilizing human or synthetic hair in a phenomenon being referred to as the “hair unit or man unit.”

If a medical condition is causing a person’s baldness, their insurance provider may cover the cost of a wig. It is important to check insurance coverage before purchasing a wig.

Essential oils

Essential oils are readily available online and may help promote hair growth.

A 2020 systematic review found that rosemary oil and tea tree oil may help prevent further hair loss.

There is some evidence that rosemary oil is as effective as 2% minoxidil. The participants were also more likely to use rosemary oil regularly than minoxidil. However, more research is necessary.

Tea tree oil in combination with minoxidil and diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug, may be more effective than minoxidil alone.

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto comes from the Serenoa repens tree. It is a natural remedy for conditions such as an enlarged prostate, chronic pelvic pain, and migraine. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest that this supplement is more effective than a placebo.

A 2020 systematic review found that saw palmetto may be beneficial for people with hair loss or hair thinning. The researchers looked at seven trials and studies and found:

  • a 60% improvement in overall hair quality
  • a 27% improvement in hair count
  • over 82% increase in hair density

Additionally, saw palmetto does not appear to have any adverse side effects in people with androgenetic alopecia.

Onion juice

Onion juice may be an alternative remedy that can help stimulate hair growth.

Researchers do not fully understand the mechanism of action behind onion juice and hair growth. That said, it is possible that the sulfur and phenolic compounds stimulate hair growth through irritant contact dermatitis.

In fact, a small study of 64 people with androgenetic alopecia found that 87% experienced full hair regrowth compared with 13% using simple tap water.

The most common side effect of using onion juice is experiencing an unpleasant smell.

There are several self-care changes a person can make to prevent hair loss or stop hair from thinning even more.

Quitting smoking

A 2022 review suggests that smoking may lead to hair loss. Smoking may constrict the blood vessels, cause free radical damage to hair follicles, and change the effect of hormones on the body. However, the researchers conclude that there is not enough evidence to suggest that quitting smoking can reverse the damage.

There is some evidence that people who smoke larger quantities of cigarettes per day are at greater risk of hair loss, although this is inconclusive. It is also possible that smoking increases the chance of prematurely graying hair.

Quitting smoking can be difficult, but several therapies can help. People may wish to use nicotine replacement therapy, use smartphone apps, or quit cold turkey. Healthcare professionals can advise people on the benefits and drawbacks of each therapy.

Scalp massage

Scalp massage is a free technique that may help stabilize hair loss.

A survey of 340 people across a range of ages, genders, and severities of hair loss found that scalp massage can increase a person’s perception of hair growth.

The respondents spent an average of 36.3 hours massaging their scalps over a period of around 6 months. Over 68% of respondents self-reported hair loss stabilization or hair growth. The results did not vary across demographics, suggesting that scalp massage may be beneficial for all people who are concerned about hair loss.

However, the researchers note that respondents were less likely to perceive improvements in hair loss if they experienced all-over hair thinning, rather than thinning on a specific area of the scalp.

Healthy diet

Following a healthy diet can help people live longer and reduce the risk of certain conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

Some vitamins and minerals may contribute to hair loss, either from consuming too much or too little.

A 2019 review suggests that the following nutrients may play a role in hair loss:

  • Vitamin A: Consuming too much vitamin A, either through diet or supplementation, can lead to hair loss. This is because the liver cannot adequately regulate vitamin A levels in the body if a person consumes too much, which then leads to the vitamin spilling over into the circulatory system.
  • Vitamin B: Vitamins B2, B7, B12, and folate deficiencies can cause hair loss. Vitamin B2 deficiency is rare in the United States, and people can find sources of other B vitamins in proteins or supplements.
  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency may lead to hair loss. There is evidence that people with androgenetic alopecia have lower levels of vitamin D than people without this condition, suggesting that the vitamin plays a role in hair retention and thickness.
  • Iron: Iron deficiency is common in people AFAB with hair loss. There is some evidence that iron may help regulate the genes that contribute to hair growth.
  • Selenium: Selenium deficiency can lead to a loss of pigmentation and hair growth. However, most people receive adequate selenium levels through their diet, as this nutrient is in a variety of foods, including meat, vegetables, and nuts.
  • Zinc: There is some evidence that zinc deficiencies may contribute to androgenetic alopecia. However, more research is necessary to investigate the link between zinc and hair loss.

People who are AMAB can experience baldness or hair loss for several reasons.

The most likely cause is genetics. Finding out whether hair loss is due to genetics or another factor can help a doctor determine the best course of treatment.

Male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition and the most common cause of baldness in people with penises. It can start as early as puberty or develop much later in life. It often occurs gradually and in predictable patterns, affecting the temples and the front of the middle of the scalp.

Most often, people who are AMAB are left with a horseshoe pattern of hair. Heredity affects how fast, at what age, and to what extent someone experiences baldness.

People with male pattern baldness inherit hair that is more sensitive to DHT, the hormone that can shorten the life span of individual hair follicles.

Other common causes of hair loss in those AMAB include:

  • Scalp infections: Infections such as ringworm can affect the hair and skin of the scalp, leading to scaly patches and hair loss.
  • Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes and imbalances can cause temporary hair loss. For people with a penis, the thyroid gland is the most likely cause of hair loss due to hormonal changes.
  • Autoimmune hair loss: Patchy hair loss, also known as alopecia areata, occurs when the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles. The attack causes sudden and rapid hair loss that leaves smooth, often round bald patches on the skin.
  • Skin disorders: Diseases such as eczema, severe seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and lupus may result in hair loss.
  • Hair-pulling disorder: This disorder, called trichotillomania, causes people to have an irresistible urge to pull out their hair. People pull hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or other areas of the body.
  • Medication: Hair loss may be a side effect of certain medications.

Some less common causes of hair loss are:

  • Radiation treatment: If a man receives any sort of radiation treatment near the scalp, the hair may fall out and grow back differently.
  • Some hairstyles or treatments: Wearing hair in ways that pull it excessively or treating it with oils or coloring agents can cause permanent hair loss.
  • Natural triggers: Stress, fever, surgery, or extreme trauma may lead to hair loss. Often, the thinning will cease when the triggering event is over.

The emotional effects of hair loss will vary greatly from person to person.

Some people may wish to seek counseling services as part of their treatment. Others may choose a hairstyle that embraces hair loss, such as a shaved head.

Hair loss may affect a person’s self-esteem and lead to depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.

If a person notices a decline in their quality of life after the onset of hair loss, they can seek support from a medical professional.

People can contact a doctor if they experience any of the following:

  • sudden hair loss
  • loss of clumps of hair
  • itching or burning on the scalp

People can also contact a healthcare professional if they are worried about their hair loss.

A healthcare professional may ask questions or perform tests to investigate whether the hair loss is a result of:

  • an illness
  • stress
  • weight loss
  • iron deficiency

There is evidence that treatments such as minoxidil and finasteride can reduce the amount of hair a person loses. However, results may vary from person to person.

People may not see results until they have been using a hair loss treatment for several months. A person can work with a healthcare professional to find a treatment that suits their situation.

Whether a person’s hair grows back depends on the type of hair loss a person experiences.

For example, most people who lose their hair as a result of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, will experience hair growth after their treatment ends.

However, other causes of hair loss, such as male pattern baldness, are typically permanent. Doctors may prescribe or recommend certain treatments to help prevent further hair thinning.

If a person experiences hair loss due to scarring, the hair is less likely to grow back. A person needs to seek advice and treatment from a dermatologist as soon as they notice hair loss. Early intervention can help prevent scarring hair loss from spreading.

Yes, some people may experience hair growing back after thinning if they use medications such as minoxidil and finasteride.

Hair loss has many possible causes, includiWhat is more, there has been a resurgence of men utilizing human or synthetic hair in a phenomenon being referred to as the “hair unit or man unit.”
ng genetics and disorders of the skin or scalp. While it is not always possible to prevent hair loss, people may be able to slow or stop hair loss by taking a medication such as minoxidil or finasteride or by using over-the-counter products such as laser combs.

People can contact a healthcare professional if they are worried about their hair loss or if it is sudden. A doctor may order several tests and ask questions to determine the cause of the hair loss.