Pills, scalp treatments, even injections are used to reduce hair loss and regrow hair. However, knowing which treatment to try can be tricky. While some people have had success with over-the-counter remedies, seeing a dermatologist to diagnose the specific cause of your hair loss should always be the first step. Although some hair loss is genetic and cannot be reversed or lessened, dermatologists who were interviewed by the New York Times estimated that half of the women they saw had a reversible cause of hair loss.
Step 1
Request a scalp biopsy from a dermatologist. According to the New York Times, scalp biopsies require about five minutes to collect a sample. The sample will be tested to isolate the specific cause of your hair loss.
Step 2
Apply minoxidal to your scalp twice a day, following manufacturer's recommendations, if you have no discernible cause of hair loss. Minoxidal, the active ingredient in Rogaine, can lessen genetic hair loss. However, the Mayo Clinic warns that the hair regrown while using minoxidal may be thinner and shorter than the rest of your hair.
Step 3
Discuss hormone treatment therapy with your doctor if low estrogen is the cause of your hair loss. Estrogen causes hair to grow both longer and thicker; low estrogen should be evident after your scalp biopsy has been analyzed. Menopause is a common cause of low estrogen.
Step 4
Explore the possibility of taking Propecia if you are male. Propecia works by blocking the effects of dihydrotestosterone, the hormone that causes hair loss. The New York Times reports that use of Propecia can halt male pattern baldness.
Step 5
Consider monthly injections of corticosteroids if your hair loss is caused by alopecia areata. The Mayo Clinic notes that you can expect new hair a month after the first injection. Corticosteroids are also available in pill form.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid wearing tight braids, extensions or ponytails. The New York Times reports that these hairstyles can scar follicles, causing permanent hair loss.
- Sometimes existing medications, especially those that increase testosterone, can cause hair loss. Discuss any medications you are taking with your dermatologist.
Things You'll Need
- Scalp biopsy
- Minoxidal
- Hormone treatment therapy
- Propecia
- Corticosteroids
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