So you're never going to have a thick, lush head of hair again. But at least you'd like to retain what you've got. Short of a transplant, is there anything you can do to stop the thinning of your hair?
Yes. With some treatments, you can slow down or stop hair thinning — and maybe even grow back some hair you thought was gone forever. Read on to see what works and what doesn't.
What Is Minoxidil?
This is the only over-the-counter medication for hair loss approved by the FDA for use by both men and women. It won't fix a receding hairline, but it does boost hair growth — although scientists aren't quite sure how it works.
Minoxidil is available as Rogaine or Theroxidil, or in generic form. It's sold as a liquid or foam and in two strengths: 2% and 5%. There's also an oral form of Minoxidil, usually taken at a daily dose of 2.5 to 5 milligrams to grow hair.
Effectiveness. Minoxidil works for about 2 out of 3 men. It's most effective if you're younger than 40 and have only recently started to lose your hair.
How to use it. Twice a day, when your hair is dry, apply minoxidil on your scalp where the hair has started to thin. Be patient. You may not notice changes for four months or more.
What it doesn't do. Minoxidil does not cure baldness. If you stop using it, you will start losing hair again. Your hair may fall out faster than before.
Side effects. You may have redness, itching, dryness, flaking, or other scalp irritation, but these are uncommon. It's more likely if you use the stronger 5% solution.
What Is Finasteride?
This medication stops your body from making the hormone at the root of male pattern baldness — dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is available under the brand name Propecia. Finasteride is not approved for use by women, and it's unsafe for pregnant women. (Learn more about spotting the early signs of having high DHT.)
Effectiveness. Finasteride is very effective. It slows or stops hair loss in nearly 90% of men. About two-thirds of these men also regrow some hair.
How to use it. Finasteride is a pill. Usually, you take it once a day. Your dermatologist may recommend using it in combination with minoxidil.
What it doesn't do. Like minoxidil, it doesn't cure hair loss. If you stop taking it, you will lose hair again.
Side effects. Finasteride can cause erectile dysfunction and other sexual side effects, though this is unusual. If it happens to you, it will likely clear up once you stop taking finasteride. But for some men, that can take three months or more.
Can Biotin Help With Hair Loss?
Biotin is a B vitamin that is essential for your health. You most likely get plenty of it in your diet in egg yolks, yeast, liver, and other foods. Not getting enough biotin can cause hair loss. Does that mean that taking megadoses of it will give you more hair? Probably not. No scientific studies have shown biotin to prevent or treat hair loss. Learn more about biotin and hair loss.
Hair supplements such as Viviscal or Nutrafol have shown success in boosting hair growth. These supplements have several ingredients intended to promote hair growth, including biotin, collagen, horsetail extract, B-complex, and other vitamins and natural ingredients.
Does Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Work for Hair Loss?
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is sometimes referred to as red light therapy. You may have seen advertisements for laser combs, brushes, hoods, and caps designed to help halt hair loss. The theory is that when hair follicles absorb laser light at a certain level, it stimulates hair to grow. But there's not enough evidence that any of these devices restore hair or prevent balding.
When Should You See a Doctor for Hair Loss?
If you lose hair suddenly, see your doctor. It may be caused by illnesses, medicine, or low levels of iron or vitamin D. If you have been experiencing hair loss for some time and are feeling upset about it, talk to your doctor and discuss treatment options that will work best for you.
Takeaways
If you are experiencing hair loss, there are over-the-counter and prescription treatments that may help slow or stop hair loss and promote new hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are the two most common medications used to treat hair loss. Supplements and red light therapy are also popular for hair loss and boosting hair growth. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about losing your hair and the hair loss treatments that will be best for you.
Thinning Hair FAQs
Can a lack of iron cause hair thinning?
Yes. Though not common, hair loss can be a symptom of iron deficiency anemia.
What shouldn't you do if your hair is thinning?
Steer clear of the harsh chemicals of at-home treatments such as colors, straighteners, and perms. See a professional who can recommend the safest treatments. You should also limit heat treatments, such as hot oil, curling irons, flat irons, and hair dryers at the hottest settings. A poor diet and smoking can also affect hair growth.
What foods are high in biotin?
There are several foods that contain biotin. Foods that contain the most biotin include organ meats (beef liver), eggs, fish, vegetables such as sweet potatoes, as well as certain nuts and seeds.
