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Hair loss is common, and successful treatment depends on finding the root cause. Hereditary hair loss, also called androgenetic hair loss or male-pattern baldness in men and female-pattern baldness in women, occurs when hair follicles are sensitive to certain hormones called androgens. It’s the most common form of hair loss, affecting up to 50% of people. No matter the cause or type of hair loss, treatments can vary widely in both cost and effectiveness.
For this article, we reviewed clinical guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and consulted with a team of hair loss experts, including board-certified dermatologists and trichologists. Christopher Chu, MD, a dermatologist in Austin, Texas, who specializes in treating hair loss, shares his insights on the best available hair loss medications and treatments.
Causes of hair loss
Hereditary hair loss
Hereditary hair loss is also called androgenetic hair loss. Androgenetic hair loss occurs when hormones, specifically androgens, affect hair follicles, resulting in hair thinning or falling out. “It’s not the level of androgens that cause hair loss; it’s the individual’s sensitivity to it,” said Dr. Chu.
In men, male-pattern baldness can look like a hairline recession or the development of a bald spot at the top of the head. In women, female-pattern baldness looks like hair thinning and a widening hair part. Genetics, age, and other individual factors can contribute to this type of hair loss. The risk of hereditary hair loss increases with age. More than 50% of men over 50 have some degree of hair loss. Women are more likely to experience hereditary hair loss after menopause.
Hair regrowth is possible with treatment. According to the AAD, the earlier treatment is started, the better it works.
Stressors
Both physical and mental stress can cause hair loss. Examples of physical stress on the hair include friction, hair pulling, tight hairstyles, and repeated hair treatments. Physical stress on the body can cause hair loss as well, which could be brought on by illness or childbirth. Psychological stress, such as separation, divorce, or death of a loved one, can affect hair growth as well.
Tips from experts:
“Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, reducing stress through mindfulness or exercise, and avoiding harsh hair treatments or styling can all contribute to healthier hair. Additionally, ensuring proper scalp care, like avoiding excessive use of heat or chemicals, can help preserve the hair you have.” — Ross Kopelman, MD, a hair restoration surgeon in New York City.
According to the AAD, hair regrowth is possible once the stress is removed. Most people can expect to see fuller hair within six to nine months after hair has stopped shedding in response to stress.
Health conditions that cause hair loss
There are many health conditions that can cause hair loss, including:
- Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism
- Infections, such as scalp infections or sexually transmitted infections like syphilis
- Autoimmune disorders, such as alopecia universalis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Nutrient deficiencies in biotin, iron, protein, or zinc may also cause hair loss. Changes in hormones during menopause may also contribute to hair loss.
Depending on the cause of the hair loss, hair regrowth may be possible if the condition is managed. In the case of hair loss that results in scarring of the scalp, hair regrowth is not possible.
Cancer treatment or medications
Chemotherapy and radiation treatment may affect your hair follicles. Hair regrowth typically starts after chemotherapy or radiation therapy is finished.
Some medications cause hair loss as a side effect. For example, certain acne medications, antidepressants, birth control pills, cholesterol-lowering drugs, or high blood pressure medications may cause hair loss.
When to speak to a doctor about hair loss
Hair loss can have many causes, and it might not be as simple as male- or female-pattern hair loss. If you’re concerned about your hair loss, Dr. Chu recommends talking to your doctor as soon as you start noticing hair thinning or hair loss.
“Getting the right diagnosis is very important,” said Dr. Chu. “There are a lot of people I see who come in with suspected pattern hair loss, and they have something else.” Medical professionals such as board-certified dermatologists can order the right lab tests and perform examinations to pinpoint the cause of hair loss. From there, they can offer individualized guidance on the treatment options that are available and most appropriate.
What we look for in hair loss products
Price
Hair loss treatments can be expensive, so we included a range of options. We also included brands that allow financing and generic treatment options to make it easier to find an affordable solution.
Ingredients and effectiveness
Dr. Chu recommends starting with pharmaceutical medications like minoxidil, saying, “There’s nothing that really compares to those when it comes to treating hair loss.”
We included hair loss treatments with minoxidil, plus those made with 100% natural ingredients for people looking for natural approaches to hair loss.
Safety
Our goal is to recommend hair loss treatments that are not only effective but safe. We carefully evaluated all products on our list for potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications (when you have a medical condition or symptom that makes the medication dangerous for you), and made sure to explain who should not use certain treatments.
Convenience
Most hair loss treatments require a long-term commitment. We considered the daily dose, ease of application, and whether the product left behind any scalp buildup.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Hair Loss: Diagnosis and Treatment. Dec. 13, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/diagnosis-treat
- Patel DP, et al. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disorders. April 27, 2017.Found on the internet at https://karger.com/sad/article/3/3/166/291279/A-Review-of-the-Use-of-Biotin-for-Hair-Loss
- Cho YH, et al. Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. April 23, 2014. Found on the internet at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2014/549721
- MedlinePlus. Minoxidil Topical. Nov. 15, 2017. Found on the internet at https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689003.html
- Gupta AK, et al. Minoxidil: A comprehensive review. The Journal of Dermatological Treatment. June 1, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09546634.2021.1945527
- Ablon G, Kogan S. A Six-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Promoting Hair Growth in Women With Self-Perceived Thinning Hair. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD). May 2018. Found on the internet at https://jddonline.com/articles/a-six-month-randomized-double-blind-placebo-controlled-study-evaluating-the-safety-and-efficacy-of-a-S1545961618P0558X/
- Natarelli N, et al. Integrative and mechanistic approach to the hair growth cycle and hair loss. Journal of Clinical Medicine. Jan. 16, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/3/893