Those concerned with any level of hair loss have likely tried at least one at-home product or procedure to tackle the problem. With all that is marketed for hair loss today, it can really be quite confusing. Men’s Health breaks down the top 6 treatments for hair loss to help us learn exactly how effective each one can be.
1) Nutrition and Natural Remedies
While diet alone certainly will not regrow your hair (we wish it were that easy), eating foods high in nutrients can strengthen your hair and reduce breakage. Foods that are protein rich with healthy fats can make the hair you have look thicker and shinier. B vitamins are particularly important in aiding in hair growth. Great sources include chicken, fish, eggs, pork, and leafy greens, such as spinach.
Finding effective natural remedies for hair loss has been an ongoing pursuit for many individuals seeking to address their thinning hair or receding hairline. While genetic factors can influence the outcomes of these remedies, they can still play a valuable role in promoting hair growth and overall hair health.
One popular natural remedy is pumpkin seed oil, which has shown promise in combating hair loss. Packed with phytosterols that help block enzymes and hormones responsible for hair loss, pumpkin seed oil can be taken orally as a supplement or applied topically. Studies have indicated its potential to promote hair growth and improve overall hair density.
Another natural solution worth exploring is peppermint oil. Research suggests that it may produce results comparable to, or even better than, minoxidil – a commonly used medication for treating hair loss. Diluted peppermint oil can be massaged into the scalp to stimulate blood flow and encourage hair growth.
Bear in mind that these oils have shown mixed results for helping hair loss.
Now, it’s important to recognize that natural remedies may not work for everyone due to the complexity of individual factors contributing to hair loss. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist who specializes in hair loss before embarking on any new treatment regimen. They can provide personalized advice based on your unique circumstances and guide you toward effective solutions.
Think of natural remedies as nourishing your hair from the inside out, just as you would nourish your body with a healthy diet. Just as a balanced diet supports overall wellness, incorporating natural remedies into your hair care routine can contribute to healthier hair growth.
2) Nioxin Shampoo
You’ve likely heard of Nioxin, which includes a bunch of hair products aimed at fighting thinning hair. But does it really work?
Experts say there is no shampoo on the market that can actually stop hair loss. But what Nioxin does do is help keep your scalp in good shape to improve the quality of the hair you currently have.
Using a DHT-controlling shampoo can help combat hair loss caused by excessive levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Ingredients such as saw palmetto and nettle leaf extract are known to naturally block DHT production in the scalp, minimizing its adverse effects on hair follicles.
3) Laser Light Therapy
There are many in-office or at-home handheld laser light treatments, such as the HairMax LaserComb, that supposedly grow new hair by stimulating blood flow to the scalp. These lasers are basically one step above what shampoos, like Nioxin, do to improve the quality of the hair you currently have and may also help you hang on to it a bit longer. Just don’t expect any of these types of procedures to actually grow new hair.
4) Hair Replacement Surgery
The best fix for hair loss by far is hair transplant surgery. Back in the day, doctors used plugs that looked incredibly unnatural. Today, there are a few different options that produce completely natural results with the right physician. The “strip-method”, or FUT, involved removing a short strip of hair from a thick area in the back of the head, dissecting every follicle under a microscope, and transplanting them into the thinning area in a natural hair pattern.
Some patient concerned with scarring in the back of the head will opt for follicular unit extraction (FUE), where grafts are harvested one at a time with tiny punches. They are then dissected and transplanted to the thinning area in the same fashion as FUT.
While surgical options can provide excellent outcomes for individuals dealing with hair loss, it is crucial to consider the potential risks and limitations associated with these procedures.
It is important to recognize that just like any surgery, there are certain risks involved with hair transplant, scalp reduction, and flap surgeries. These risks may include infection, scarring, uneven hair growth, and even the possibility of poor aesthetic results. It is vital to consult with a qualified surgeon who specializes in hair restoration to understand the potential risks and benefits specific to your situation.
5) Propecia
Propecia is an FDA-approved medicine to treat hair loss. It was originally created to prevent prostate cancer and works by blocking the production of a male hormone in the scalp called androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that shuts down follicles to cause male pattern baldness.
Propecia is a lifetime commitment and once you stop taking it, any hair loss that you would have had if you weren’t taking the medication will happen within 3-8 months. There are also report of sexual side effects, like impotency or lack of desire.
6) Rogaine
Rogaine, or Minoxidil, is the other FDA-approved drug for hair loss. It helps slow the hair loss process and is the best solution for now to help you hang on to the hair you have. Like the other options, it will not actually grow back thick hair. At best you may notice some peach fuzz, typically on the crown of the head. Once you stop with treatment, you’ll lose the hair shortly thereafter.
Side-effects are uncommon but may include itchiness and/or chest pain.
Dr. Thompson typically recommends a combination of medications with hair replacement surgery for maximum results. Learn more by calling (801)396-9775 for a free consultation in Layton, Bountiful, or Draper, Utah.