Reviewed & updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA
Hair loss and everything around it is nothing short of nightmare inducing. From the simple to the extreme; we’ve put together a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need in your journey to stopping baldness; from the best hair regrowth products to some quality hair treatments for hair loss prevention. If you’re wondering how to reverse male pattern baldness, you’ve come to the right place.
How To Cure Hair Loss?
Even though there isn’t one magic cure to the issue, we’ve gathered the best hair loss solutions available at the minute. It’s always good to start by getting your hands on the best hair products for hair growth. Usually, they contain stimulants such as caffeine, castor and argan oil and don’t contain the much-hated parabens.
However, these products are good for general hair health and don’t have an impact on DHT, a byproduct of testosterone which is responsible for hair loss.
How to Block DHT?
So, if DHT is partly responsible for hair loss – why not just grab a DHT inhibitor (dihydrotestosterone blocker) and be done with it? Well… it’s not that easy. While DHT blocker pills (DHT blocker supplements) currently come in the form of commonly used Propecia, women are currently unable to take this option and some men are looking for hair loss DHT blockers for hair loss that can be applied topically.
What is a topical DHT blocker? There’s an abundance of research around hair loss DHT blockers being integrated into other topically applied creams such as minoxidil. As of 2017, however, there is no standalone dihydrotestosterone cream.
Does Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?
Often used as a method of stopping the signs of male ageing in its tracks, testosterone treatment for men bestows a host of time-defying gifts upon its users – but at what cost? Testosterone and hair loss come hand in hand, and while the macho-minded hormone gives men their identifying traits – it’s also partly responsible for hair loss.
Is testosterone hair loss reversible? As with most other forms of male hair loss, the methods by which you can turn back the clock are really judged on a case by case basis so it’s best to speak to a professional. If you’re looking for practical hair solutions for thinning hair, have a look at the video below to get some inspiration for a thinning hair friendly hairstyle.
Best Hair Loss/Regrowth Treatments
There’s a variety of hair loss treatments for men and all of them usually require medication and hair growth boosters. Of course, the type of treatment changes according to your specific condition. However, the most popular solutions include hair transplant surgery and treatments specifically aimed at conditions such as alopecia. Here are the six main conditions and the following treatments.
Best Treatments for Alopecia Areata:
Also known as localised baldness, it features the appearance of circular or oval patches of hair loss on the scalp. This type of alopecia is caused by white blood cells attack the hair follicles and therefore affect hair production.
How to treat alopecia areata? The most common alopecia areata treatment for it is getting cortisone injections for hair loss. To put it simply, the bald patches in your scalp will get injected with corticosteroids in hopes of kicking off alopecia areata hair regrowth. There are a number of supposed alopecia areata natural cures out there, however, none of these have been proven or given a permanent solution against hair loss.
Best Treatments for Alopecia Totalis:
Alopecia Totalis is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system turns against your hair follicles resulting in complete hair loss. Sometimes that also includes eyebrows and eyelashes. Unfortunately, there is no set cure for Alopecia Totalis but there are some treatments that can promote hair growth such as the drug Tofacitinib.
Another consideration for alopecia is steroid injections for hair loss prevention. While steroids can also come in the form of hair loss creams, a steroid shot for hair growth is typically recommended for more serious conditions alongside using a cream. Although nothing will give you the instant hair growth you’re probably seeking, steroids and hair loss prevention go hand in hand – having been a treatment used for years now.
Best Treatments for Cicatricial Alopecia:
Also known as scarring alopecia, this disorder destroys hair follicles which are replaced with scar tissue causing permanent hair loss. Since in this case hair doesn’t grow back, it’s important to start aggressive treatment when hair is still present. Treatments usually include antibiotics, immunodepressive drugs and hair replacement therapies. However, cicatrical alopecia could return after any of these treatments.
Best Treatments for Male Pattern Baldness/Hair Loss:
The cause of Male Pattern Baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia is usually genetics. It could come from either side of your family even though your parents proudly show off wonderful manes. Whilst you try and figure out who messed up the gene pool, the most efficient treatments for male hair loss include hair transplants, Finasteride based products that will contrast the hormone responsible for hair loss (DHT) and Minoxidil. The latter deals with the nutrition of your hair follicles and in some cases, it’s responsible for hair growth. However, there’s no solid guarantee.
Best Treatments for Telogen Effluvium:
Telogen Effluvium is a stress induced type of hair loss which can be caused by traumatic events and anxiety. Your hair, therefore, enters the telogen (resting) phase in which it doesn’t grow and can last for a period of three months. Even though after this phase your hair should start growing again, there’s no guarantee that this will happen, especially if you’re still under stress. Therefore, the condition can become chronic. Unfortunately, there is no specific hair regrowth treatment for this condition. Going to a professional to discuss the causes of your particular case is the best approach
Unfortunately, there is no specific hair regrowth treatment for this condition. Going to a professional to discuss the causes of your particular case is the best approach. That said, one of the proven hair growth medications for hair loss is a rogaine (Propecia) treatment which could help with telogen effluvium.
Best Treatments for Traction Alopecia:
This type of alopecia is caused by putting pressure on the roots and hair follicles which eventually stops hair from growing. This is notoriously one of the most difficult types of alopecia to treat. However, one of the most effective hair growth products is minoxidil which strengthens weakened hair. The best minoxidil products are known to work minor or moderate cases.
Common Hair Loss Treatments: Minoxidil & Propecia
Minoxidil
One of the most common hair loss treatments, Minoxidil is an antihypertensive vasodilator medication that’s known to slow hair loss, as well as promote the growth of new hair. Available under a number of trade names such as minoxidil once a day, minoxidil cream, minoxidil shampoo and varying strengths (minoxidil 10%/15% solution) – there’s an option to suit any man’s lifestyle.
How to Use and Apply Minoxidil
Depending on what medium you choose to go for, the application of minoxidil can vary to suit its consistency. If you’re wondering how to apply minoxidil rogaine liquid, it’s relatively straightforward. Using a syringe provided, apply the amount specified by the brand’s (rogaine) instructions across the roots, moving your head to direct the rogaine drops to fully cover the balding areas.
For a cream application, start by measuring out specified amount into your hands and rub through your fingertips. Apply to most affected areas first, spreading the rest of the cream across the scalp until all used.
How Long does it take for Minoxidil to Work?
While some report signs of hair growth as early as 4 months in, it can typically take 12-14 months before any real difference is seen.
Minoxidil/Rogaine Side Effects
While it can vary greatly with some men experiencing more issues than others, common side effects include; fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, minoxidil weight gain, bloating, flushed complexion, itching, swelling of legs… the list goes on, but as mentioned previously, most men will complete their minoxidil treatment without any side effects.
Can Minoxidil Cause Hair Loss?
Despite the seemingly obvious answer, many are under the illusion that rogaine causes hair loss – so, can it? Technically, it can cause hair loss, but this process is an early sign that the treatment is working. Minoxidil or Rogaine shedding is the process which causes older hair to be forced out – preparing for newer growth. This ‘rogaine hair shedding phase’ should last no more than a month or two.
Propecia
Another popular means for stopping male pattern baldness, finasteride is widely known by its trade name Propecia. So, how does propecia work? The chemicals in the tablets will prevent testosterone being converted into its more active form, Dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone is what causes the hair to become weaker and thinner, so preventing it from making this transition will stop your hairline from receding further.
Is Propecia/Finasteride safe?
While it’s previously been approved by many governing boards, the jury is still out when it comes the safety of use – particularly relating to propecia long term effects. While propecia/finasteride reviews will testify to the drug’s results – its always best to speak to a professional for a better idea of how you may be affected.
Other Treatments to Consider
Vampire Hair Growth Treatment
Platelet rich plasma for hair loss (PRP) is a relatively new and exciting hair regrowth injection therapy that been gaining in popularity in recent years. Often known as vampire therapy, due to its nature; PRP injection therapy for hair loss works by extracting blood from the patient which is then spun at high speeds (centrifuged) until it’s separated into its individual parts.
Plasma hair treatment is considered viable as the platelet rich plasma contains the fundamental elements required for tissue regeneration and healing as well as being thought to strengthen and thicken existing hair on the head. While an increasing amount of research is pointing towards its viability as a hair loss treatment, there’s still not enough evidence to prove it’s results. Alongside this, with the average PRP hair treatment cost hitting around the £1,200 mark or above – it’s not exactly the cheapest.
Lasercomb Hair Loss Treatment
Laser Comb for hair growth is one of the least invasive ways of approaching hair loss – being that no drugs or medication are required to see a difference. How does laser comb work exactly? Using low-level laser light, blood circulation is increased which, in turn, allows nutrients to be more efficiently delivered to cells. With an incredibly straightforward process of application, laser comb for hair loss is one of three FDA-approved approaches, with literally no side effects.
While the positives of using a hair thinning comb far outweigh the negatives, a quick look at laser comb reviews will allude to its sole weakness. Unlike other treatments, in more serious cases of hair loss, a thinning comb typically won’t suffice when used as a standalone solution.
Laser Cap for Hair Loss
Similar to laser comb technology, a laser cap for hair growth works by using low-level laser light to stimulate and promote hair growth. While not cleared by the FDA, laser cap reviews have been largely positive – along the same lines as the aforementioned Hairmax Laser Comb.
Laser oriented hair loss caps have the added benefit of complete coverage, unlike a comb that must be manually put through the hair. Alongside this, the build of a hair laser cap means that it can host a higher number of hair growth lasers, meaning more results from half the efforts!
Laser Cap Hair Loss – buy it here
Hair Multiplication Transplant Treatment
A leader in the realms of new hair transplants techniques, the relatively new multiplication transplant treatment focuses on plucking hairs individually as opposed to transplanting a larger area – which is far more invasive. Implementing a combination of methods including conventional follicular unit extraction and follicular unit transplantation, the individual hairs are then dipped in a mixture of platelet rich plasma and acell matrix before being reintroduced to the scalp.
This method is currently only available in India, with trials expected to give more conclusive results by late 2016/early 2017.
What Else is Good for Hair Growth?
Even though there are specific alopecia treatment products, there are also natural substances you can use if you’re wondering how to rejuvenate hair. Natural cures for hair loss, of course, have a lower margin of success as opposed to medical hair loss restoration treatments for men and work best with minor cases. If you want to know what the best-rated men’s hair growth products that work are, we recommend you consult a pharmacist and hair growth specialists.
On a more general level, the below ingredients are natural hair growth remedies that can improve hair health. The best shampoos for hair regrowth such as nettle root tablets and extracts or natural baldness creams, usually feature these natural components. Of course, they need to be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle that features a balanced diet and regular exercise. However, they don’t prevent your hair from being attacked by DHT, the hormone responsible for hair loss.
Beta Sitosterol
What is be beta sitosterol? Beta Sitosterol (B-Sitosterol) is a member of natural plant extracts called phytosterols and, among other supposed benefits, is linked to hair loss reduction in men. While there’s no concrete evidence, the natural product apparently works by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase – the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.
When it comes to working out the correct beta-sitosterol dosage – as always, it’s best to speak to a professional to reduce your risks.
Best Hair Loss Treatments
Here are some of the best hair loss therapies that promote hair growth for men as well as more committed processes such as surgery:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): a topical application of Minoxidil is usually combined with Finasteride (Propecia).
- Nioxin Hair Regrowth Products: the company makes a range of shampoos for different hair types and cases.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): this hair transplant procedure consists of taking hair from the back of your head and transplanting it to the front giving a natural look.
On That Note
There you have it, while we don’t claim to be experts in the field – hopefully, this list of your best hair loss options should point you in the right direction. While there’s something suited to every condition, from over-the-counter products for hair loss and thinning hair to the elaborate hair restoration treatments for more extreme cases; it’s always best to seek professional advice when looking for hair loss products that work as well as going for a professional analysis such as a trichogram to know where you stand.
Baldness medication and hair growth medicine are in constant development so keep your eyes peeled for new and advanced male hair products. However, don’t make the easy mistake of rushing into procedures or buying into products that promise quick fixes.
