Hair Loss Treatment: What Works and What to Try First

Worried about thinning hair? You’re not alone—male and female pattern hair loss are common, but there are practical steps that can slow loss and often bring back noticeable growth. This guide gives clear, usable options so you can pick what fits your goals, budget, and timeline.

Quick, proven medical options

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the easiest place to start. It’s an over-the-counter liquid or foam you apply daily. Expect to use it for at least 3–6 months before you see gains; hair shedding can get worse before it gets better. Side effects are usually mild—scalp irritation or temporary shedding—but it works best for crown and vertex thinning, less so for a receding hairline.

Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription pill that blocks DHT, the hormone linked to male pattern baldness. Many men see slowing of loss and some regrowth after 3–6 months. Watch for sexual side effects in a small percentage of users; discuss risks with your doctor. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take it.

Combining minoxidil and finasteride often gives better results than either alone. Ask a dermatologist about pairing treatments and how long to continue them—stopping usually reverses gains.

Procedures, devices, and supplements—what to expect

Hair transplant surgery moves hair from a dense donor area to thinning spots. It’s permanent for transplanted hairs but depends on your donor supply and surgeon skill. Costs vary widely; plan for recovery time and realistic expectations—transplanted hair grows over months, not weeks.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are options for people who want non-surgical boosts. PRP usually needs 3 initial monthly sessions, then maintenance twice a year. LLLT devices are convenient but take months of regular use for results. Both can help when combined with meds.

Supplements like biotin or saw palmetto get a lot of hype. If you have a deficiency (iron, vitamin D, thyroid issues), fixing that can improve hair. But most supplements won’t reverse genetic hair loss—focus on tests, not trends.

Shopping for treatments online? Buy minoxidil from trusted pharmacies, and only get finasteride with a valid prescription. Watch for fake products and unrealistic promises. If a deal sounds too good, it probably is.

Want the next step? See a dermatologist or a hair-loss specialist for a quick exam and blood tests. They’ll map the pattern of loss, check underlying causes, and recommend a treatment plan you can stick with. Small, steady steps usually win—consistent treatment and follow-up beat chasing quick fixes every time.