Don’t have much time? This post provides brief, easy-to-digest explanations for common hair loss treatments. I will write and link to more detailed posts for each of the hair loss treatments listed below. It’s also a good idea to learn the cause of male pattern baldness [TODO: Add link here] before learning about the various treatments.
Finasteride
Finasteride is the active ingredient in Propecia and Proscar. Finasteride works by reducing the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is the hormone that causes hair loss. Finasteride is primarily effective in maintaining one’s current hairline, although some users have been lucky enough to experience hair regrowth.
Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole is an ingredient used in certain shampoos. Ketoconazole is used as an effective treatment for seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that can cause hair loss. As for treating male pattern baldness, there is weak evidence suggesting that Ketoconazole may help lower DHT levels at the scalp (lower DHT levels mean a lower probability of hair loss). Using a Ketoconazole shampoo won’t hurt, but there isn’t convincing research proving that it can help in the fight against balding.
Micro-needling
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Minoxidil
Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine. It isn’t fully understood why Minoxidil helps treat hair loss. However, we do know that it increases blood flow (and oxygen supply) to hair follicles and alters the length of the various phases of hair growth. Minoxidil is decent at stopping or slowing hair loss than regrowing hair, but regrowth is a possibility.