Best Hair Loss Treatments: From Medicines to Natural Remedies
Are you fed up with finding your hair all over the place, on your pillow, clothes, or floor? You are not the only one. Hair loss has been the most prevalent problem among men and women.
Statistics show that 35 million men and 21 million women suffer from hair loss in the US.
There are several causes of hair loss, from genetics, diet, and hormonal changes to hairstyling. However, hair loss is a controllable condition and can be treated. Hair loss treatments range from natural home remedies like coconut oil and in-office treatments to medications such as Finasteride.
In the following article, we discuss all the solutions to reduce consistent hair falls. So, continue reading.
FDA-approved treatments for hair loss
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves medicines like Minoxidil and Finasteride to treat Male Pattern Baldness, while only Minoxidil for Female Pattern Baldness.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil can treat pattern baldness (Androgenic Alopecia) in both men and women. Besides, it is the only FDA-approved medicine for Female Pattern Baldness. It comes in shampoo, foam, or liquid forms. You may apply the product to the scalp’s skin. It is usually used twice daily.
Minoxidil is effective in helping people regrow their hair or slow the process of hair loss. It usually takes at least six months of therapy to prevent further hair loss and trigger hair growth. It may take several months to tell whether the treatment works for you. Avoid quitting the medicine without consulting your doctor.
Some products that contain Minoxidil are Hair4u 2% and Tugain Solution 10.
Finasteride
Finasteride is a prescription medicine available as oral tablets primarily for men to treat hair loss. A doctor may not generally prescribe it to women who are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant, as it can cause birth defects.
However, Premenopausal women using oral contraceptives can be prescribed Finasteride by their doctor or even women who have hereditary hair loss and fertility issues.
Generally, when taking Finasteride, you experience slower hair loss, and some may show new hair growth. The therapy might take a few months to tell whether it’s working for you.
Take it according to your doctor’s instructions to achieve the most benefits. You should also not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, as Finasteride has a short life, and its effects might reverse if you stop taking it.
You can buy Finpecia 1 mg (Finasteride) at affordable prices from WowRx.
In-office hair loss treatments
When medicines alone do not work to minimize hair loss or promote hair growth, your doctor may recommend some in-office treatments such as:
Laser treatment for hair loss
Laser treatment is effective for hereditary hair loss. The FDA has approved Low-level Laser Treatment (LLLT) for hair loss. The treatment is also known as red-light or cold laser treatment. It works to direct photons to the scalp and stimulates hair growth. The photons stimulate blood circulation, encouraging cell turnover and hair growth.
It is a non-invasive and painless treatment method. However, laser treatment is expensive and might not always be effective. Moreover, it comes with a risk of infections, burns, scarring, and Contact Dermatitis. So, discussing the safety, possible interactions, and complications with your doctor is vital before opting for LLLT.
Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment
In Platelet-rich Plasma(PRP) method, surgeons use the patient’s blood to trigger hair growth.
It is an efficient Male Pattern Baldness treatment. PRP is also an effective therapy for stimulating hair growth after a transplant. It controls ongoing hair loss and promotes hair growth.
As the therapy uses the patient’s blood for treatment, the side effects of PRP are minimal. But, it is an expensive option compared to other treatments.
Hair transplant
A hair transplant is a treatment where a surgeon moves hairs to the bald area of the head. They usually take hair from the back or side of the head and surgically move them to the front of the head.
Ideally, people with well-defined Pattern Baldness, hair at the back and sides of the head, hair loss due to scaring or cosmetic procedures, and a history of hair restoration procedures are suitable candidates for hair transplant.
Natural hair loss treatments
Natural home remedies for hair loss may include an iron-rich diet to promote hair growth and using natural oils to nourish and control hair loss.
Diet
Nutritional deficiency is one reason for hair loss. Improper dietary habits can often cause excessive hair shedding due to:
- Vitamin A Deficiency
- Iron Deficiency
- Protein Deficiency
- Excessive Weight loss
- Eating Disorders
Hence, a proper hair care routine with a balanced diet may control hair loss and nourish the hair.
Increase protein intake
Hair follicles are made of protein, and a protein deficiency can cause hair loss. A protein-rich diet promotes new hair growth and strengthens hair follicles.
You need 0.8 grams of protein per kg of body weight every day. Foods like meats, eggs, and dairy products are good protein sources. Nuts, soybeans, tofu, lentils and chickpeas are good options for vegetarians and vegans.
Take a rigid iron diet
Iron promotes the production of Haemoglobin, which leads to the rapid growth and repair of cells responsible for growing new hair. This process ultimately promotes hair growth.
The daily iron requirement for men aged 19 and above is 8.7 mg/day. For women, the required intake is 14.8 mg/day. Those aged 50 and above need 8.7 mg/day. You may include iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, pumpkin seeds, tofu, wholemeal pasta, lean beef, and dried fruit like apricots and turkey in your diet to meet the iron requirements.
Use aloe vera gel to rescue
Aloe vera is a source of folic acid and vitamins A, C, E, B12. They promote cell turnover and hair nourishment. You may notice healthy hair growth and shiny hair after using aloe vera. It also soothes the scalp, conditions hair, removes dandruff, unlocks hair follicles, and reduces excess oil.
Apply Coconut oil – The Godfather
Coconut oil contains fatty acids that prevent protein loss, penetrate deep in the hair shaft (visible part of the hair above the scalp), and prevent hair damage. It also nourishes the scalp and promotes the healthy growth of hair. You can use the oil for massaging your scalp two to three times a week, for five to twenty minutes, to increase blood circulation and encourage hair growth.
Hair loss prevention
Prevention of genetic hair fall is inevitable, but slowing hair thinning and hair loss is possible.
You can prevent hair loss in the following ways:
- Avoid giving chemical treatments or heat-styling your hair
- Avoid tight hairstyles like ponytails
- Follow a proper hair care routine, including oiling (avoid in case of infections or dandruff unless your doctor approves) and washing hair two to three times a week
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid brushing wet hair
- Eat a diet high in nutrients, protein, and iron
- Do not bleach your hair
- Incorporate essential oils like Rosemary and Peppermint oil into your hair care routine
- Indulge in physical activities such as yoga, swimming, and other exercises that improve blood circulation to the scalp and balance hormones to prevent hair loss
Conclusion
Hair loss is a prevalent problem in both men and women. Several causes of hair fall and treatments are available to control it. Hair loss treatments include natural remedies, medicines, and surgical methods.
If you notice unusual hair thinning and loss for a few weeks, contacting a doctor is the primary step. They may recommend hair transplant, laser therapy, and PRP therapy. Medicines like Minoxidil and Finasteride can also be prescribed to treat excessive hair fall. All these hair loss treatments can control hair fall and even, in some cases, reverse the process.
On an individual level, you can take preventive measures like eating a diet rich in protein and iron, massaging the scalp, staying hydrated, and avoiding chemical treatments and hair styling. Natural home remedies like coconut oil and aloe vera can also be helpful. If your doctor approves, these steps, combined with treatment, can improve your chances of controlling hair loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to stop hair loss?
You can stop hair loss with medications, natural remedies, and surgical treatments. Prescription-based medicines like Finpecia 1 mg and Tugain Solution 10 are effective for hair loss. Laser therapy and Platelet-rich Plasma(PRP) can also address excessive hair loss.
How to prevent hair loss?
Hair loss can be prevented by practicing a hair care routine and eating a vitamin and mineral-rich diet. Avoiding heat-styling techniques or bleaching your hair and using essential oils, like Rosemary, in your hair care routine can also prevent hair thinning and, eventually, hair loss.
What is the most effective hair loss treatment?
Minoxidil and Finasteride are the most effective hair loss treatments, approved by the FDA. However, Finasteride is mainly prescribed for men as it is unfit for women who plan to get pregnant or are pregnant. However, Minoxidil is safe for both men and women, making it more inclusive.