Hair loss, medically referred to as alopecia, can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, and ageing. There are several treatments available to combat hair loss, including medications, surgical procedures, and natural remedies. Below is an outline of some common treatments for hair loss:
Minoxidil (Rogaine): An over-the-counter topical solution commonly used by both men and women to slow down hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth by improving hair follicle size and prolonging the hair growth phase.
Finasteride (Propecia): A prescription oral medication primarily used in men to block the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to male pattern baldness.
Oral Treatments
Spironolactone: Often prescribed for women, this oral medication can help reduce hair loss by decreasing androgen levels that impact hair growth.
Dutasteride: Similar to finasteride, this off-label drug is used for hair loss treatment by inhibiting DHT and is generally considered more potent than finasteride.
Hair Transplant Surgery
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): Involves removing a strip of scalp from which individual hair follicles are extracted and transplanted to areas with hair loss.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Hair follicles are individually extracted from the scalp and transplanted to areas needing hair, resulting in minimal scarring.
Robotic Hair Transplant: Advanced robotic systems are utilized to harvest and implant hair follicles, enhancing precision and reducing human errors.
Laser Therapy
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): This treatment uses red light lasers to stimulate hair follicles and encourage hair growth. It is a non-invasive option with minimal side effects that can be combined with other treatments.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP treatment involves drawing blood from the patient, processing it to concentrate platelets, and injecting it into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
Scalp Microneedling
Scalp micro-needling is technique that involves the use of a device equipped with fine needle to create small punctures on the scalp. This process is believed to activate the natural healing process and stimulate the production of growth factors, ultimately leading to improved hair growth.
Complementary Therapies
Acupuncture: Some studies suggest that acupuncture may aid in stimulating hair growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp.
Herbal Supplements: Certain herbs like saw palmetto and ginseng are occasionally used to address hair loss, although the evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited.