Another treatment option is to take prescribed medications. The type of medication prescribed depends on:
- Cause of hair loss
- Public Health
- Age
- Expected results
- Pregnancy plans
Chemical and natural medicines can be used as we mentioned in the article “13 Natural Remedies for Hair Loss for Men and Women” Here are some good medicines to treat hair loss.
Prescription medications for hair loss
With any medication, side effects are possible. Ask your dermatologist about possible side effects you might experience while taking one of these medications for hair loss from dermatologists who are board-certified by the American Academy of Dermatology [s]. Medicines include:
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this drug to treat male pattern hair loss. When taken as directed, finasteride can:
- Slows down hair loss
- Stimulating new hair growth
Like other hair loss treatments, this one also takes time to work. It usually takes about 4 months to notice any improvement.
Finasteride tends to be most effective if you start taking it when you first notice hair loss. A dermatologist may also prescribe this medication to treat a woman with hereditary hair loss who cannot become pregnant.
If finasteride is working for you, you will need to keep taking it to continue getting results. Once you stop, you will start losing hair again. Before taking this medication, be sure to discuss possible side effects with your dermatologist.
See: Corns and Calluses: Definition, Causes, Differences and Treatment
2. Spironolactone
For women with female pattern hair loss, this medication may be an option. Can:
- Stop more hair loss
- Hair thickening
In one study of 166 women who took spironolactone, 42% said they improved slightly, and 31% reported an increase in thickness.
It is important that you do not become pregnant while taking spironolactone. This medicine can cause birth defects.
To prevent pregnancy, your dermatologist will also prescribe birth control pills if you could get pregnant.
3. Other medicines
If you have a painful infection or inflammation, a dermatologist can prescribe medication to treat it.
For example, if you have a type of hair loss called fibrous anterior alopecia (FFA), which can cause painful inflammation, your dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic and antimalarial medication.
Ringworm of the scalp, which is caused by a fungus, requires an antifungal medication.
4. Vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements
If a blood test shows that you're not getting enough biotin, iron or zinc, your dermatologist may recommend a supplement. If you're not getting enough protein, your dermatologist can tell you how to increase your protein intake.
You should only take biotin, iron or zinc when a blood test shows that you have a deficiency. If your levels are normal, taking the supplement may be harmful.
For example, if you take in too much iron, you may develop iron poisoning. Early signs of this include stomach pain and vomiting.
Other supplements meant to help with hair loss tend to contain a lot of nutrients. Since this can cause you to get too many nutrients, many dermatologists recommend taking a multivitamin instead.
To use Minoxidil Rogaine®, you apply it to the scalp, usually once or twice a day.
When used as directed, minoxidil can:
- Stimulating hair growth
- Prevent further hair loss
If you notice new growth, you will need to keep using it every day. Once you stop applying it, hair loss returns.
Minoxidil can help with premature hair loss; It is not possible to re-grow a full head of hair.
6. Using the laser at home
You can buy laser caps and combs to treat hair loss at home. While only a few studies have looked at these devices, the results are promising.
In one study, more than 200 men and women with hereditary hair loss were given either a laser hair comb or a dummy laser comb-like device. Patients used the device that was given 3 times a week for 26 weeks.
Researchers found that some patients using the laser instead of the placebo saw thicker, fuller hair.
It is important to understand that not everyone who has used lasers has seen new growth.
More studies are needed to see who is likely to benefit from this treatment and whether these devices cause long-term side effects.
See: 15 Factors of Hair Loss and How to Treat it in Women
7. Microneedling device
A microneedling device contains hundreds of tiny needles. Some studies have shown that it can help stimulate hair growth.
In one study, men aged 20 to 35 years with mild or moderate hereditary hair loss were treated with either:
- 5% minoxidil twice a day
- 5% minoxidil twice a day plus weekly microneedling
Other studies have shown that using microneedling along with another treatment, including platelet-rich plasma or a corticosteroid that you apply to the thinning area, helps improve hair growth.
While you can buy a microneedling device without a prescription, it's best to check with a dermatologist first. Microneedling can worsen some conditions. It is also important to get the appropriate microneedling device.
Devices used for hair loss have longer needles than those used for skin treatment.
8. Corticosteroid injections
To help regrow your hair, your dermatologist will inject this medication into the balding (or thinning) areas.These injections are usually given every 4 to 8 weeks as needed, so you will need to return to your dermatologist's office for treatment.
This is the most effective treatment for people with alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss.
In one study of 127 patients with alopecia areata, more than 80% of those treated with these injections had at least half of their hair regrowth within 12 weeks.
9. Hair Transplant
If you have area thinning or baldness due to male (or female) pattern baldness, your dermatologist may mention hair transplantation as an option. This can be an effective and permanent solution.10. Laser treatment
If using minoxidil every day or taking medication to treat hair loss seems unattractive to you, laser treatment may be an option. Also known as low-level laser therapy, some studies suggest that this may help:
- Hereditary hair loss
- Alopecia areata
- Hair loss due to chemotherapy
- Stimulating healing and hair growth after hair transplant
11. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Studies show that this can be a safe and effective hair loss treatment. PRP involves drawing a small amount of your blood, putting your blood into a machine that separates it into bits, then injecting one part of your blood (plasma) into the area affected by hair loss.The entire process takes about 10 minutes and usually requires no downtime.
You will need to come back to repeat the injection. Most patients return once a month for 3 months and then once every 3 to 6 months.
Within the first few months of treatment, you may notice that you lose less or less.
See: 19 Natural Acne Treatment With Prevention Methods