Your Guide to Hair Loss Treatments: What the Science Says

Let’s face it—hair loss can be tough to deal with. Whether you're noticing more strands in the shower drain or your part is looking a little wider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this blog, I’m going to break down the medical side of things and guide you through some of the best science-backed treatments available today. Other than specific prescription details, this is the information I provide to my patients in the dermatology clinic. We’ll dive into everything from prescription options to at-home remedies, so you’ll have all the info you need to tackle hair loss head-on.

The Basics: What’s Behind Hair Loss?

First things first—understanding why hair loss happens is key to figuring out how to treat it. Hair grows in cycles, with each strand going through a growth phase (anagen), a transitional phase (catagen), and a resting phase (telogen). When this cycle gets disrupted, that’s when you start seeing more shedding or less growth.

The most common culprit? It can depend on age, but here are the three most common ones we diagnose in clinic.

Androgenetic alopecia, aka male or female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is usually tied to genetics and hormones, especially a little hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone).

Then there’s telogen effluvium, which is more like a temporary freak-out your hair has due to stress, diet changes, or medical issues. Think hair loss from Covid, a move, a new job, a surgery, post-partum. Alopecia areata is another player, where your immune system mistakenly attacks your hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. Fun, right? Not really—but luckily, there are treatments that can help.

Treatments That Actually Work

Okay, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the good stuff—the treatments. These are some of the most effective options out there, supported by solid research. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or something more long-term, there’s a solution for you. Treatment plans include a combination of all of the below. Never hesitate to schedule a dermatology appointment because many times prescriptions are an important part of your plan!

• Steroids (Topical Prescriptions and/or Intralesional Injections):
• Steroids are your go-to for autoimmune-related hair loss like alopecia areata. Topical corticosteroids can help calm down the inflammation around your hair follicles, making it easier for them to grow back. If you’ve got a few stubborn patches, intralesional injections (yep, needles) can deliver steroids directly to the scalp for a more targeted approach. Studies show that this method can really kickstart regrowth in those pesky bald spots AND shows some benefits for all types of hair loss.

• (Prescription Pills or Topical Rx):*
• Minoxidil: This is the one you’ve probably heard of—minoxidil is a topical treatment that helps extend the growth phase of your hair. It also boosts blood flow to your follicles, which can make a noticeable difference in hair thickness. It’s a trusty option for both men and women dealing with pattern baldness, and with consistent use, you’ll start seeing results in a few months. Rogaine is the topical minoxidil option at the drugstore. There are prescription compounds as well so, again, make that dermatology appointment.
• Spironolactone: If your hair loss is linked to hormonal imbalances (hello, PCOS), spironolactone might be your best friend. This oral medication blocks the effects of androgens, the hormones that can mess with your hair follicles. It’s especially helpful for women and can be paired with other treatments for even better results.
• Finasteride: Here’s another big name in the hair loss game. Designed for men for prostate hyperplasia, finasteride tackles hair loss at the hormonal level by preventing testosterone from turning into DHT, the hormone that’s guilty of shrinking your hair follicles. It’s super effective, especially when combined with other treatments, and has been shown to slow down hair loss and even promote regrowth when used regularly. Finasteride is approved for treatment in men and is occasionally used in female hormonal hair loss as well.

*note that these cannot be taken orally by women of reproductive age due to birth side effects

• Rosemary Oil:
• Red light therapy is the perfect at-home option if you’re looking for something low-maintenance but effective. These devices use specific wavelengths of light to stimulate hair growth at the cellular level. It’s been shown to help with hair density and thickness, making it a great addition to your hair care routine. Just pop it on a few times a week, and let the light work its magic. The con is also price- expect ~$750+, but the fact that it keeps on giving makes it a viable option for patients who have hair loss at the top of their mind. Currentbody

• Ketoconazole Shampoo (Nizoral):
• Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication commonly used to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, but it’s also shown promise as a treatment for hair loss, particularly when it’s related to androgenetic alopecia. The idea behind ketoconazole shampoo is that it can reduce scalp inflammation and possibly inhibit the production of DHT (the hormone linked to hair loss). This makes it a great addition to your hair care routine if you’re dealing with thinning or shedding.
• Studies suggest that using ketoconazole shampoo regularly can help improve hair density and reduce hair loss, especially when combined with other treatments like minoxidil or finasteride.
• Ketoconazole 2% is a prescription version while Nizoral, which contains 1% ketoconazole is an affordable option available right at the drugstore. The key is to let it sit on the scalp for 5 minutes before rinsing in the shower.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections +/- Microneedling:
• PRP therapy is one of those treatments that sounds a little intense but has some serious potential. It involves taking a small sample of your blood, spinning it down to concentrate the platelets, and injecting that golden plasma back into your scalp. Platelets are packed with growth factors that can give your hair follicles the boost they need. Combine that with microneedling (tiny needles that create micro-injuries to stimulate healing), and you’ve got a one-two punch for encouraging hair growth. The con is that it’s expensive- expect $800+ per treatment with 3-4 treatments recommended. Results are also subtle but proven, which leads me to our next treatment.

• At-Home Red Light Therapy:
• If you’re all about natural remedies, rosemary oil might be right up your alley. This essential oil has been gaining attention for its potential to promote hair growth, and some studies suggest it might be as effective as minoxidil. Rosemary oil is thought to improve circulation to the scalp and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a gentle yet powerful option for those looking to keep things natural. This is a treatment I recommend as an adjunct to the above and can be added to custom prescription compounds.

Let’s not forget about supplements! These can be a great way to support hair growth from the inside out. Two of the most popular options are Nutrafol and Viviscal, both of which have been backed by research. Supplements are the foundation of where I start with hair loss treatment because you will see improvement in hair quality, plus Nutrafol offers collagen and many other benefits with no (to minima)l side effects.

• Nutrafol: Nutrafol is a powerhouse of natural ingredients like saw palmetto, ashwagandha, and marine collagen. It’s designed to target multiple causes of hair loss, including stress, hormones, and environmental factors. If you’re looking for an all-around supplement that covers all the bases, Nutrafol is a solid choice. Clinical studies have shown it can significantly improve hair thickness and density.
• Viviscal: Viviscal focuses on nourishing your hair from within, thanks to its proprietary marine complex called AminoMar, along with biotin and vitamin C. It’s particularly effective for temporary hair loss due to factors like stress or poor nutrition. If you’re dealing with shedding or thinning, Viviscal can help improve hair strength and thickness.

Comparison: Both supplements have their strengths—Nutrafol is ideal if you’re looking for a comprehensive solution that addresses multiple factors, while Viviscal is perfect for improving hair thickness and reducing shedding. The choice depends on your specific needs and what you’re hoping to achieve.

Wrapping It Up

Hair loss is a complex issue, but the good news is that there are plenty of treatments out there that can make a real difference. Whether you’re considering prescription options, at-home treatments, or supplements, it’s all about finding what works best for you. And remember, consistency is key—most treatments take time to show results, so stick with your routine and be patient. You’ve got this!

Hair Loss Prevention Checklist

• Practice healthy hair care like sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner, hair masks, etc. 
• Switch to a silk pillow case to sleep on to decrease friction on hair... and skin!
• Assess your diet for vitamins/minerals and consider supplementation with Nutrafol Hair and Collagen Vitamin.
• Add a red light therapy helmet to your routine. Get 10% off your CurrentBody order with code SYDNEYCB
• Make a dermatology appointment at your local clinic!

**References:**
1. **Shapiro, J., & Kaufman, K. D.** (2003). Use of finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). *Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings, 8*(1), 20-23.
2. **Messenger, A. G., & Sinclair, R. D.** (2006). Follicular miniaturization in female pattern hair loss: clinicopathological correlations. *British Journal of Dermatology, 155*(5), 926-930.
3. **Mysore, V., & Shashikumar, B. M.** (2018). Alopecia areata: An update. *Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, 84*(3), 262-273.
4. **Gupta, A. K., & Charrette, A.** (2015). Minoxidil: A comprehensive review. *Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 26*(6), 568-576.
5. **Ramos-e-Silva, M., & Hexsel, D.** (2017). Hormonal therapy in dermatology. *Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 10*(3), 31-39.
6. **Price, V. H.** (2003). Androgenetic alopecia in women. *Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings, 8*(1), 24-27.
7. **Gentile, P., Garcovich, S., Bielli, A., Scioli, M. G., Orlandi, A., & Cervelli, V.** (2015). The effect of platelet-rich plasma in hair regrowth: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. *Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 4*(11), 1317-1323.
8. **Avci, P., Gupta, G. K., Clark, J., Wikonkal, N., & Hamblin, M. R.** (2014). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for