What Is The Best Treatment For Thinning Hair

How We Selected The Best Products For Thinning Hair

When selecting products for hair growth, we spoke with dermatologists and spent hours combing the web for the best and most effective products. After taking all of our options into consideration, we determined which to feature based on a few key criteria as recommended by dermatologists: key ingredients, form, and lifestyle habits.

Once we narrowed down our options, we compared each treatment’s benefits to its price tag. While some choices on our list may be more expensive, we wanted to give a wide range of options that would fit all needs and budgets. Based on all of these factors, we compiled this list of the best OTC hair growth treatments.

How Is Hair Loss In Women Treated What Medicines Or Supplements May Help

Treatment depends on the cause of your hair loss.

• In cases where the loss is due to stress or hormone changes like pregnancy, there might be no treatment needed. The hair loss will stop after a period of time.
• In cases of hair loss being due to hair styling practices, like tight braids or ponytails or certain chemicals, treatment means not doing the things that caused the damage.
• In cases due to nutritional deficiencies, you might be told to take supplements. For instance, you might be told to take a multivitamin and three to five milligrams of biotin daily.
• Minoxidil is approved for treating FPHL. The 2% or 5% solution can be purchased in stores. However, you have to follow directions exactly and use the product indefinitely. Dont use this product if youre pregnant, if you plan to get pregnant, or if youre breastfeeding.
• The HairMax Lasercomb® low light laser is approved by the US FDA to treat FPHL. Another FDA-approved laser product is the Theradome LH80 PRO® helmet and low light laser helmets and caps.

Other medications that have been studied, but not approved, for hair loss in women include:

• Spironolactone and other anti-androgens.
• Other light treatments.

It is important to note that premenopausal women should not take medications for hair loss treatment without using contraception. Many drugs, including minoxidil and finasteride, are not safe for pregnant women or women who want to get pregnant.

The Best Treatments For Thinning Hair

Medically reviewed by Kristin Hall, FNP

You see yourself in the mirror everyday, so you may not see the subtle changes that develop over time until they become impossible to ignore.

Receding hairline, widening part and overall hair thinning take time to develop and, once they do, they may be difficult to reverse.

Everyone wants a head of lush and lustrous hair a mane they can be proud of. Unfortunately, we cant always get what we want.

Thinning hair is caused by a combination of factors some of which you cant control and it can create a snowball effect of complications.

Hair loss and hair thinning may not be life-threatening, but unwanted changes to your appearance can affect your self-esteem and confidence.

If youre pulling your hair out over the stress of losing your hair, youve come to the right place. Below, weve delved deep into the subject of hair thinning to discuss common causes and potential treatment options.

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What Is Your Budget

If money is no object, then you can double- or even triple-down on a set of treatments that work in different ways to maximize your potential for dramatic success. Those on a tight budget need to know which path is likeliest to succeed without breaking the bank. Both Keeps and Hims offer well-priced subscriptions to their most popular products, which invariably save you a little extra money. Unfortunately, most insurance carriers consider any hair loss treatments cosmetic even for chemotherapy-induced hair loss. As a result, they seldom cover any of the available protocols.

What Causes Hair To Thin

Any number of lifestyle factors, genetics, recent life events , or medical conditions can cause your hair to thin.

Lifestyle factors could include using certain hair products, wearing your hair up too tightly, experiencing high stress levels, or not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet.

People who have immune system deficiencies could also have thinning hair.

Read Also: How To Help Hair From Thinning

Hailey Bieber’s *chocolate* Glazed Donut Nails Are Even Better Than The Original

3. Scalp tonic. Serums with peptides or procyanidins such as niacinamide can help support overall scalp health and reduce inflammation, which is a major component of hair loss, says New York City dermatologist Doris Day. Try René Furterer Triphasic Progressive Concentrated Serum , , or Days own Rapid Regrowth Serum once daily before massaging a minoxidil product into the scalp . In addition to being anti-inflammatory, Day says, scalp tonics help minoxidil penetrate the scalp better and can minimize potential irritation from it.

4. Tinted dry shampoo. Camouflage spots where youre seeing more scalp than you want to and add volume with a colored dry shampoo . But be sure to give your scalp a vigorous shampoo during your next shower dermatologists recommend keeping your scalp free of styling products so youre not clogging already taxed pores.

Do not underestimate the power of a brand-new cut and color.

1. Hair color. Anytime you dye your hair, youre increasing the diameter of each strand, which can help add volume when your hair is sparse and fine. As a general rule, ask your colorist to make sure highlights are finer at the top of the head, where hair is the thinnest, and more intense at the bottom, where its thickest, says Eva Scrivo, a hairstylist and the owner of the Eva Scrivo Salon in New York City. And beware: A color that contrasts with your scalp will make any visible scalp more obvious.

The Dermatology-Office Plan

Ballpark Total: $500 and up

What Is The Best Treatment For Thinning Hair

The most effective treatment for hair loss for men is Finasteride or branded Propecia. These treatments are not suitable for women.

Depending on your hair loss, you might find that minoxidil shampoo, such as Regaine, will help manage your thinning hair. You can get both male and female versions of the shampoo so this might be a good option for women who cant take Finasteride/Propecia.

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What Other Shampoo Ingredients Should I Look For If I Have Hair Loss

Hair loss meaning hair that falls out from the scalp can occur as the result of genetics, diet, illness, stress, medications, and more. Addressing the underlying cause of thinning hair often reduces hair loss over time.

Once youve addressed the underlying cause, a good shampoo for you may include ingredients, such as:

Natural Treatments For Thinning Hair

With some conditions, such as hair thinning, resulting from a traumatic life event, getting your hair back on track is just a matter of time and patience. If you know your hair loss is not at temporary problem or youre just looking to regain a prior level of thickness, these are the some of the natural treatments for thinning hair that will hopefully help to get your hair growth back on a healthy track.

1. Rule Out Medications

Its important to make sure that you dont take medications that could actually cause hair thinning. There are many medications that have been linked to hair loss. Make sure you know the possible side effects of your current medications as well as your supplements. If you know one of them may cause hair loss, that could be the culprit right there. Below I list some of the most common medications that can contribute to thinning hair and hair loss.

2. Herbs

Saw palmetto extracts and supplements can work well for hair thinning because they keep testosterone levels balanced. Opinions about saw palmetto as an effective hair growth agent are mixed, but there are studies that indicate it to be beneficial.

One study conducted at the Clinical Research and Development Network in Colorado tested 34 men and 28 women, aged 1848 years, who topically applied saw palmetto extract in lotion and shampoo base for three months. The results found that 35 percent of the participants had an increase in hair density.

3. Reduce Stress

4. Balance Hormones

5. Foods that Help

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Rogaine For Women Hair Regrowth Treatment Foam

Rogaine is the big name in over-the-counter minoxidil products. Womens Rogaine was introduced in 2014 and was the first FDAapproved 5% minoxidil foam treatment for women.

Before this version came out, women were only using the regular Rogaine, which has been sold since 1988. This version is a convenient foam that is very easy to apply.

Small clinical trials have shown that the 5% minoxidil solution is much more effective in keeping the hair that you have as well as re-growth in women with androgenetic alopecia than the 2% solution.

To use it, you have to massage it into your scalp twice a day, and you should then begin to see results around the six-month mark. The cost is approximately $50 for a three-month supply.

Available from

How Can Hair Loss In Women Be Prevented

Preventing hair loss is not possible when it is due to disease, aging, heredity or physical stressors like injuries. You can prevent hair loss caused by caustic chemicals or tight hairstyles by avoiding them. You might be able to prevent some hair loss by eating a healthy diet that provides necessary nutrients in terms of vitamins, minerals and protein. You can stop smoking.

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Thinning Hair Vs Hair Loss

Before digging into the details of what causes thinning hair, lets take a moment to explore the issue and what makes it different from hair loss.

The clinical term for hair loss is alopecia. Alopecia is something of an umbrella term there are several different types of alopecia, each characterized by specific patterns of hair loss or certain triggers.

Hair thinning is generally considered a form of progressive hair loss and is a common symptom of androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness.

Thinning hair tends to develop slowly over time. In men, it often begins with the hairline and recedes toward the back of the head.

When hair thinning or loss is concentrated in round patches on the scalp, it is often related to a condition called alopecia areata.

What Is The Outcome For Someone Who Has Hair Loss

With an accurate diagnosis, many people who have hair loss can see hair regrowth. If you need treatment for regrowth, the earlier you start, the more likely you are to see regrowth.

Its important to understand that:

• Not every type of hair loss can be treated, but a dermatologist may be able to prevent further hair loss.

• It can take months before you see results from treatment.

• No one treatment works for everyone, even two people with the same type of hair loss.

• Sometimes, hair loss is stubborn and requires trying different treatments before finding one that works.

Self-care also plays an essential role in preventing and treating hair loss. To find out what dermatologists recommend, go to Hair loss: Self-care.

Images1,2: Getty Images

3: Property of the American Academy of Dermatology, A to Z Video Series

4: Image used with permission of Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998 39:578-89.

ReferencesAdil A, Godwin M. The effectiveness of treatments for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 77:136-141.

American Academy of Dermatology:

• Research demonstrates potential of platelet-rich plasma therapy for hair loss News release issued March 1, 2019. Last accessed May 22, 2019.

• New generation of laser and light therapies could provide future treatment options for skin, hair and nail conditions, News release issued March 16, 2012. Last accessed May 22, 2019.

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Whats The Difference Between Hair Thinning And Hair Loss

Hair loss is usually sudden in onset and is caused by external or internal factors It may be caused bycertain drugs and treatments , tight fitting hair styles and harsh hair-care products, Mack explains. Hair thinning on the other hand is a very gradual process and does not cause discrete areas of baldness like hair loss does.

Whats more, individuals with hair thinning usually appear to have less hair, but no discrete patches of baldness, per Mack. Some causes include vitamin deficiencies, menopause or other hormonal imbalances like PCOS .

Why Trust Verywell Health

As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.

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Effective Hair Loss Treatments

The cause of your particular form of hair loss will point you toward the right treatment. For stress-related telogen effluvium, time is usually the best solution as hair should grow back six to nine months after the excessive shedding occurs. However, if your telogen effluvium is caused by an underlying health issue such as a thyroid problem or low iron levels, your hair should grow back after you address the underlying problem.

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If you have one of the forms of scarring alopecia that is inflammatory, such as CCCA, we often use antibiotics to decrease inflammation around the hair follicle, says Dr. Lenzy. Topical or injection cortisones can also be helpful in reducing inflammation in CCCA as well as in alopecia areata. There are a lot of new treatments on the horizon that are currently being studied in clinical trials for extensive forms of alopecia areata, adds Dr. Lenzy. Some of the treatments that are coming down the pike, we currently use off-label even though theyre not yet approved. In general, many of the treatments for hair loss are experimental because theres just not a lot of FDA-approved treatments. But those of us who specialize in hair loss, we have a lot of effective therapies that we use.

Are There Complications/side Effects Of Treatment

Minoxidil may irritate your scalp and cause dryness, scaling, itching and/or redness. See your dermatologist if this happens.

With Minoxidil you might also see hair growing in other places other than your scalp . Wash your face after you apply Minoxidil and make sure you avoid other areas when you apply it.

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What Is Finasteride And How Does It Work

Finasteride works differently from minoxidil in treating hair loss. This medication is whats known as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Rather than improving blood flow, finasteride prevents 5 reductase from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone . DHT is the primary culprit in androgenetic alopecia, and reducing its presence on the scalp will have a dramatic effect on its ability to harm your follicles.

Causes And Risk Factors For Thinning Hair

As your hair continues to thin, you probably want to ask, or even scream, Why is my hair falling out?! Its a very frustrating and often bewildering occurrence when the hair thins. According to Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of abnormal hair loss is not completely clear, but typically its related to one or more of the following:

• Physical or emotional shock
• Excessive hair styling and/or hair treatments

1. Heredity

The No. 1 reason why both men and women experience excessive hair thinning and hair loss is hereditary. For men, its a more well-known phenomenon called male-pattern baldness, but women can also exhibit female-pattern baldness. Both of these predictable, gradual hair loss patterns are linked with a family history of hair loss. For men, it can start as early as puberty. In addition to thinning hair, men may also notice their hair becoming shorter, softer and finer.

2. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormone imbalances and changes can contribute to thinning hair. Some hormone changes are temporary, like with pregnancy or menopause, and hair thinning or loss resulting from these temporary changes should be temporary as well. However, if you have an ongoing imbalance of hormones, you may have a thyroid problem that needs to be corrected.

3. Thyroid Problems and Other Medical Conditions

4. Medications

Many different types of medicines may contribute to hair thinning, including some of the following types of medications:

• Acne medications
• Thyroid medications

5. Trigger Events

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Or Embracing Hair Loss

If you dont find a suitable or appealing option for hair loss treatment over time, its also worthwhile to reflect on how many balding or totally bald men have become iconic sex symbols. In fact, for men who embrace it, baldness can act as an impressive signal of confidence rather than a source of damage to self-esteem.

So if you can embrace or celebrate baldness as a new phase in your life maybe finding a new hairstyle, or swapping out the hair on your head for some stylish or distinguished facial hair then this is another viable path in approaching hair loss. Its certainly the cheapest.

Whatever you choose, remember: you are the master of your hair. All you need to do is choose the path that feels best to you and then move forward confidently. Waiting is the only bad course of action. The best time to decide is now.

How To Treat Hair Loss And Thinning Hair Respectively

The workup for hair loss or diffuse thinning typically starts with a series of blood tests, Mack explains. With blood work, I am able to figure out if the hair loss is related to a systemic condition like a vitamin deficiency or thyroid disease.

If the blood work is normal, she recommends a small scalp biopsy to determine the state of the hair follicles .

That said, there isnt one best treatment for hair loss. Speak with your doctor to find out whats best for you.

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