Losing hair can feel frustrating, but you don’t have to sit and watch it happen. Below you’ll find the most common treatments, how they work, and tips to pick the right one for you. Keep reading and you’ll have a clear plan to stop the shedding and maybe grow a little back.
Most people start with products you can buy without a prescription. The first name that pops up is minoxidil. It’s a liquid or foam you apply to the scalp twice a day. Clinical studies show it can thicken existing hairs and even grow new ones on the crown. The trick is consistency – you need to use it for at least four months before you see results, and you must keep using it to keep the gains.
Another easy option is ketoconazole shampoo. This anti‑fungal wash reduces scalp inflammation, which can block hair follicles. Use it a few times a week in place of your regular shampoo. It’s inexpensive and works well when combined with minoxidil.
If you prefer a natural route, biotin supplements are popular. Biotin is a B‑vitamin that helps keratin production, the building block of hair. While biotin won’t cure severe loss, many users report stronger, less breakable hair after a few months of a 5,000 µg daily dose.
For those who want a stronger boost, finasteride tablets are sometimes available over the counter in low doses in some regions. Finasteride blocks the hormone DHT, a major cause of male‑pattern baldness. It works best early in the loss process. Talk to a pharmacist about legal availability and side effects before you start.
If you’ve tried OTC items for three to six months and still see steady thinning, it’s time to get professional help. A doctor can run blood tests to check for thyroid problems, iron deficiency, or hormonal imbalances that mimic hair loss. Treating the underlying condition often restores hair without extra meds.
Prescription‑strength treatments include higher‑dose finasteride, oral minoxidil, or newer drugs like platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP uses your own blood, spun to concentrate platelets, then injected into the scalp. Many clinics report noticeable thickening after a few sessions.
Hair transplant surgery is another route for permanent restoration. Modern techniques move follicles from a dense area to the balding zone, leaving a natural look. The cost can be high, so weigh it against long‑term medication expenses.
Don’t forget lifestyle factors: stress, poor diet, and harsh hair products can speed up loss. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and omega‑3s, and gentle hair care (avoid tight ponytails and heat styling) support any treatment you choose.
Bottom line: start with minoxidil and a gentle shampoo, give it a few months, then decide if you need stronger help. Keep track of your progress with photos, and don’t hesitate to ask a doctor for a check‑up if results stall. With the right mix of products and healthy habits, you can slow the shedding and maybe bring back some of that lost volume.
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