So your hair is thinning, and it’s starting to get pretty noticeable.
You may or may not be sure of the cause… but more importantly, you’re not sure what to do about it. Get a hair transplant? Try prescription hair loss meds? Do low-level laser therapy? Use hair loss supplements? You’ve got a ton of options!
The right hair loss treatment for you depends on the stage of your hair loss, among other factors. But regardless of where you’re at right now, you CAN do something to fight your hair loss, preserve the hair you still have, and get your real hair back.
We’ll give you a high-level overview of hair loss treatment options to help you figure out where to start.
Types of Hair Loss Treatments
Hair restoration technology has come a long way in recent years. Now, multiple highly effective surgical and non-surgical hair loss treatments are available.
Let’s compare the most common types of hair loss treatments:
|
Treatment |
Description |
Effectiveness |
Maintenance |
Cost |
|
Hair Transplant (FUE/FUT) |
Surgical procedure transplanting hair follicles from one area of |
Highest – Permanent solution with natural-looking results. |
Little to none – one-day in-office outpatient procedure |
$$$ |
|
Finasteride |
Prescription oral medication that reduces hormone-related hair |
High, particularly effective for male pattern baldness at the |
Once-daily pill |
$ |
|
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) |
Non-surgical procedure involving the injection of a patient’s own |
Moderate to high, promising results in some studies. |
Treatment sessions recommended every 6 months |
$$$ |
|
Minoxidil |
Over-the-counter topical/oral treatment that stimulates hair |
Moderate to high, effective in slowing hair loss and regrowing |
Once daily pill or topical |
$ |
|
Laser Therapy |
Low-level laser devices to stimulate hair growth. |
Moderate to high |
Wear for 8 minutes/day |
$$ |
|
Spironolactone |
Prescription medication that blocks androgens, often prescribed |
Moderate to high |
Once daily pill |
$ |
|
Hair Loss Shampoos & Conditioners |
Hair care product swaps that can help prevent thinning and |
Moderate, particularly when used in combination with other |
Use as you would any other shampoo/conditioner |
$ |
|
Saw Palmetto Supplements |
Herbal supplement, thought to block DHT, a hormone related to |
Low to moderate |
Once daily supplement |
$ |
|
Biotin Supplements |
Vitamin supplement believed to support healthy hair |
Moderate, more effective when combined with DHT inhibitors, |
Once daily supplement |
$ |
|
Essential Oils |
Applying oils like rosemary and peppermint to the scalp to |
Low, some users report mild to moderate improvement. |
Apply as desired |
$ |
|
Scalp Micropigmentation |
Cosmetic pigmentation that mimics the appearance of hair |
High for cosmetic appearance, no effect on actual hair |
Semi-permanent in-office procedure, immediate results that last |
$$ |
|
Hair Systems |
Artificial hair used to cover baldness. |
High for cosmetic appearance, no effect on actual hair |
An hour or so every few weeks – replace every 1-12 months |
$$$ |
How to Choose the Right Hair Loss Treatment for You
So what’s the best hair loss treatment plan for you? Consider the following factors:
- Cause of Your Hair Loss
If you’re experiencing male or female pattern hair loss, chances are the cause of your hair loss is genetic and most hair loss treatments will be effective. However, if you’re experiencing hair loss as a result of stress, pregnancy, medications, or other factors, a different approach might be a better fit. Getting a hair loss consultation can help you figure out what might be causing your hair loss. - Your Gender
Gender hormones have a lot to do with hair loss. Certain hair loss treatments are specially formulated for men or women only. - Hair Restoration Goals
Consider whether you’re looking for temporary results that will hide your hair loss for a night out, or long-term results that will give you your real hair back permanently. Some hair loss treatments work well short-term, some do a good job of preventing further hair loss, some put hair back on your head where there isn’t any. - Time Commitment
Consider what sort of maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Some hair loss treatment requires daily upkeep, while others involve an all-day procedure and then minimal maintenance going forward. - Cost Considerations
Consider your budget. Is getting your real hair back for good worth the cost of a hair transplant to you? Bosley offers financing on many hair restoration procedures – would you be more comfortable paying for hair loss treatment all at once or paying over time?
- Ask an Expert
Get an expert recommendation of the best hair loss treatment plan, personalized to your needs. Bosley offers a free hair loss consultation where you can learn about hair loss causes, what stage of hair loss you’re at, and the best Bosley hair loss treatment for your budget and hair restoration goals.
Hair Loss Treatment FAQs
Which hair loss treatment is the most effective?
A hair transplant is the only permanent solution to hair loss. Prescription hair loss meds and low-level laser therapy are also very effective in promoting hair regrowth and preventing further hair loss.
What are the side effects of topical or oral medications for treating hair loss?
Oral finasteride and topical minoxidil are safe, FDA-cleared hair loss medications – in many cases, people don’t experience any side effects from using them. Finasteride’s potential side effects include erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, decreased sperm count, ejaculation issues, and skin rash. Minoxidil’s potential side effects include initial (and temporary) hair shedding, scalp irritation, unwanted hair growth, and hair texture changes.
Are there any natural hair loss treatment remedies?
Hair growth supplements can help combat hair loss with the help of natural ingredients like biotin, niacin, zinc, and DHT-inhibiting botanicals.
