So you’ve started noticing your hairline receding or more strands than usual coming out in the shower drain. Don’t panic; you’re not alone. Hair loss is a problem millions of men face worldwide. The good news is that plenty of treatment options are available to help slow down hair loss or even regrow new hair.
Before you drop cash on a hair transplant, you owe it to yourself to learn everything there’s to learn about the procedure, plus the other options you have. We’ve rounded up the eight most effective hair loss treatments for men. From prescription drugs and laser therapy to natural remedies, there’s something on this list for every budget.
Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplant surgery involves taking hair follicles from areas of the scalp that still have hair and transplanting them to balding areas. The surgeon will trim your existing hair and clean your scalp before extracting hair follicles from the back of your head, which is least likely to experience balding. The procedure typically takes 6-8 hours with local anesthesia. Recovery time usually takes around two weeks. Over the next 6-12 months, you can expect significant new hair growth. Hair transplants can be expensive, ranging from $4,000 to $15,000, but they provide a long-term solution to hair loss.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is an alternative hair transplant method to Follicular hair transplant surgery that involves removing a strip of hair and skin from the donor area. This strip is then dissected into individual hair follicles to be transplanted. FUT can be a good option for those who need a more significant number of grafts, but it does leave a linear scar.
While the FUT strip method hair transplant method does require multiple procedures to achieve full coverage for those with extensive hair loss, the result is a permanent, natural solution for baldness and thinning hair.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted light energy to stimulate hair follicles and promote new growth. LLLT works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to stimulate hair growth.
In LTE, a device emits red light that penetrates the scalp. The light is absorbed by cells in the hair follicles, stimulating them to grow new hair strands. Most patients undergo multiple treatments to see the best results, around 2-3 sessions per week for 3-6 months. LLLT is a painless procedure, and there are no known side effects.
LLLT won’t give you a full head of hair, but it can increase hair density and stimulate moderate hair regrowth for some people.
LLLT may work best for those in the early stages of hair loss, so the earlier you start treatment, the better your chances of success.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from your own blood into areas of hair loss. The platelets may stimulate hair follicles and promote new hair growth.
PRP therapy typically requires three treatments spaced several weeks apart. A small blood sample is taken and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood. The PRP is then injected into the scalp using small needles. The entire process takes less than an hour with minimal discomfort.
While PRP shows promise for hair restoration, more research is still needed to determine its long-term effectiveness. The results tend to vary from person to person, and multiple treatments may be required to achieve satisfactory hair growth. The effects also appear to be modest, with most studies showing increased hair counts of around 20-30% after 6-12 months.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil comes as a liquid or foam and is applied directly to the scalp. It stimulates hair follicles and increases blood flow. You need to use minoxidil daily and consistently for at least 3-4 months to see results.
Minoxidil is over-the-counter and typically comes in 2% or 5% solutions. The higher dose tends to produce better results for most men. For the best outcome, apply the recommended amount to the areas of thinning hair and massage into your scalp. Use it at the same time each day after showering for maximum absorption. After several months of use, you should notice slower hair loss, thicker hair, and possibly some regrowth.
Rare side effects can include unwanted hair growth on the face or hands.
Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride, sold under Propecia, is an oral medication for male pattern baldness. It works by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink.
Propecia is a pill taken once a day. It can take 3-6 months of daily use to start seeing results. The effects last only as long as you continue to take it, though.
At around $30-$50 per month, Propecia can be on the pricey side. However, since you’ll likely take it long-term to maintain results, buying in bulk or looking for discount programs can help reduce costs. Propecia’s proven ability to stop hair loss and promote regrowth makes it worth trying for many men.
Side effects are usually minor but can include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorder.
Healthy diet and supplements
A healthy diet and the right supplements can play an essential role in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. Focus on eating foods like:
- Protein (fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, nuts)
- Iron (red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, dark leafy greens)
- Zinc (oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, cashews, chickpeas)
- Vitamin C (citrus fruits, broccoli, kale, strawberries)
You should also consider taking certain supplements, such as :
- Vitamin E: it can improve blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair growth and reducing inflammation.
- Biotin: it is a B vitamin that helps produce keratin, a protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails.
- Prenatal vitamins: these contain a range of vitamins and minerals that can help improve hair health and growth. Take the recommended dosage after talking to your doctor.
Conclusion
So there you have it – 7 of the most effective hair loss treatments for men currently available. While there may not be a magic cure just yet, you have many options to try based on your budget and personal preferences. Talk to your doctor about prescription medication or medical procedures, read reviews from real people, and find what works for you.