Regardless of your age, you want to have a full head of healthy hair. Unfortunately, a number of factors can cause you to experience hair loss, which could be permanent.
This is where hair growth treatments come in. Some of these treatments provide lasting, noticeable results. Others may make no difference at all—or worse, cause even more problems.
So which hair growth treatment is right for you?
In this article, we will explore the top hair growth treatments available, comparing and evaluating their effectiveness, side effects, and downtime. We’ll also explore the pros and cons of each, so you can vet your options and choose the best treatment for your needs.
Types Of Hair Growth Treatments: DHT-Blocking Ingredients Vs. Scalp Health-Boosting Ingredients
Hair growth treatments can broadly be classified into DHT-blocking treatments and scalp-health-boosting ingredients. DHT-blocking ingredients can help reduce the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to male pattern baldness. These ingredients are usually found in hair supplements and herbal treatments, such as saw palmetto.
Scalp-health-boosting ingredients are those that can help to nourish the scalp and support hair growth. These ingredients are usually found in home remedies, laser treatments, and scalp massages. They contain vitamins, minerals, proteins, and antioxidants, which can help to nourish the hair follicles and promote healthy and strong hair.
The type of treatment you need will depend on the cause of your hair loss. Click the link below to find out the most common causes of hair loss in both men and women, some of which may surprise you.
Discover 9 Surprising Causes Of Hair Loss
The Top 10 Hair Growth Treatments
1. Minoxidil
Minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine, is a hair growth product often used to treat male pattern baldness and slow down the progression of hair loss. It is also used by women to treat genetic hair loss.
Minoxidil works by lengthening the anagen (growth) phase of hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth. This treatment is available over the counter and can be used as a spray, foam, or lotion.
Pros:
- When used for genetic hair loss, Rogaine can be very effective.
- It is often fairly inexpensive.
Cons:
- It’s known to cause heart problems when used long-term
- It can take 4-6 months to see results.
- If you want to keep the new hair you’ve grown after starting minoxidil, you’ll have to continue to use it indefinitely. The second you stop it, your new hair will start to fall out again.
- It might not work for people with patchy hair loss or hair loss caused by medication.
- In some cases, it can change your hair color or texture.
2. Finasteride
This is a prescription oral medication that works by blocking the production of a certain enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
By reducing the levels of DHT, finasteride helps to slow down the process of hair loss. Also known as Propecia, finasteride may not prevent the cause of male pattern baldness, but it can minimize its effectiveness.
Pros:
- This is one the most effective hair loss treatments for men with male-pattern baldness.
- Low-cost generic versions are available.
- Side effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medication.
Cons:
- Studies have shown finasteride can cause loss of libido in 94% of men.
- It needs to be used for at least 3 months to see hair growth benefits.
- As with Rogaine, if you stop taking finasteride, you will lose the hair you grew while on it.
3. Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
This treatment is a form of regenerative medicine that works by utilizing the platelets in your blood to encourage hair growth. Platelets contain a variety of proteins and growth factors which can help to stimulate hair follicles and promote a healthy scalp for hair growth.
PRP therapy is often used along with hair transplants, as it supports wound healing and improves the results. Because the treatments use your own tissues, PRP injections are safe to use regardless of your age or gender.
Pros:
- PRP therapy can prevent future hair loss as well as treat existing hair loss.
- The treatment has low risks and few side effects.
Cons:
- PRP therapy often requires multiple sessions, as the results will not be permanent.
- Results can be seen after 12 weeks or so.
- The treatments is relatively new and still undergoing research.
4. Laser Therapy
This painless, non-invasive hair loss treatment uses low-level laser light to promote hair growth. It works by stimulating the cells in your scalp to produce thicker and healthier hair, as well as boosting circulation in the area.
This treatment is usually done in a series of sessions. It’s ideal for most types of hair loss, from hormonal to genetic.
Pros:
- Laser hair therapy strengthens existing hair follicles.
- It prevents future hair loss.
- Treatments take less than an hour and can be done in the convenience of your own home.
Cons:
- Results can take up to six months to be seen.
- It may not cause already lost hair to grow back.
- Like other treatments, it requires ongoing treatments to maintain results.
- The treatment is relatively new and still undergoing research.
5. Hair Transplant Surgery
This surgical procedure involves transferring healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another. This treatment can be used to restore areas of thinning and baldness, as well as improve the density of the hair.
There are two types of hair transplant surgeries: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) techniques. In FUT transplants, a long, thin piece of tissue is removed from the back of the scalp using stereo-microscopic dissection. Once the follicles have been harvested, you’re left with a single, very fine linear scar.
With FUE hair transplantation, individual follicles are removed through microscopic incisions, resulting in minimal scarring and area thinning.
Pros:
- Hair transplant surgery is a permanent solution for hair loss.
- FUE transplants leave minimal scars and are often not noticeable.
- Results are instant and dramatic.
Cons:
- The surgery can be costly, depending on the type and clinic.
- Recovery time is minimal, but you may need a week to heal before you can return to work.
- Inflammation, irritation, and bruising can occur.
6. Hair Supplements
These supplements are formulated with vitamins, minerals, and herbs which can be beneficial for promoting hair growth. While these supplements do not provide an immediate result, they can be helpful for those with nutritional deficiencies or imbalances, as well as those experiencing excessive hair loss.
Pros:
- Supplements are non-invasive.
- Side effects are minimal.
- Supplements can improve the effectiveness of other hair growth treatments.
- If your hair loss is a result of a nutritional deficiency, hair supplements can treat the root cause.
Cons:
- Results vary and are often inconsistent.
- No clinical studies have proven supplements promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- It may take several months to notice an improvement in hair thickness.
7. Microneedling
This minimally invasive treatment works by creating tiny punctures in the scalp using a derma-roller. The device may stimulate the production of collagen and encourage blood flow to the area, which can help to promote hair growth.
Dermarollers work by causing micro-injuries to the skin without significantly damaging the skin barrier. These micro-injuries are typically painless and heal quickly.
Pros:
- According to a 2021 review, microneedling may be more effective at increasing hair growth than minoxidil. However, using minoxidil and microneedling together was more effective than microneedling alone.
- Dermarollers are very affordable, though device effectiveness and price varies.
Cons:
- The AAD warns that microneedling may worsen some conditions (such as acne, cold sores, and eczema)
- You need to use the device multiple times a week to see the best results.
- Microneedling may not be effective against certain types of hair loss.
8. Home Remedies
Home remedies to stimulate hair growth include organic hair masks and treatments, such as coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and aloe vera.
These natural ingredients contain vitamins, minerals, and proteins which can help strengthen hair follicles, promoting the growth of healthy and strong hair. Scalp massages with essential oils like tea tree oil can help to stimulate circulation in the scalp, which can improve hair growth and thickness.
Other home remedies may include herbal treatments such as saw palmetto and green tea are natural remedies that may help to reduce hair loss. These herbs can block certain hormones which contribute to male pattern baldness, and they also contain antioxidants that can protect the hair follicles.
Pros:
- Treatments are OTC and typically inexpensive.
- Side effects are minimal.
- Results are instant and dramatic.
Cons:
- Results vary and are often inconsistent.
- Few studies confirm the effectiveness of natural home remedies for hair loss.
- Inflammation, irritation, and bruising can occur.
Which Hair Treatment Is The Most Effective?
While each type of treatment has its own pros and cons, the results and benefits will depend on your type of hair loss, the cause of hair loss, and other individual factors.
DHT-blocking treatments, hair transplants, and treatments like Rogaine may be the most effective for those with male pattern baldness. For those experiencing general hair loss, scalp-health-boosting treatments such as laser treatments may be more beneficial with fewer side effects. Combining both types of treatments may be the most effective option for some individuals.
Before beginning a new treatment, it’s best to meet with a medical professional to determine why you’re losing your hair. Some types of hair loss, such as hair loss from nutritional deficiencies or hormone imbalances, will resolve once the underlying cause is treated. Others may require ongoing hair growth treatments to help you maintain your hair. Your doctor will be able to help you determine which treatments are safe and a good fit for your situation.
Finally, be sure to follow a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress levels—all of which can contribute to healthy hair growth.
Don’t Let Hair Loss Keep You From Looking Your Best
No single hair growth treatment is suitable for everyone. Depending on your individual needs, lifestyle, and budget, the most effective treatment may be different from person to person.
At The Resurge Clinic, we understand how frustrating hair loss can be. That’s why we help patients get to the bottom of why they’re losing hair and treat hair loss in a safe yet effective way. We offer hormone replacement therapy, supplements, peptides, laser hair therapy, FUE hair transplants, and much more, choosing a treatment option based on your individual health needs and preferences.
If you’re fed up with thinning hair or bald spots, it’s time to take action. Schedule a consultation today, and let’s work together to regain your hair and your confidence!
