The method of treating hair loss usually depends on the cause of the condition. If you are experiencing hair loss, you may find that it is a result of male or female pattern baldness. Other reasons include hormonal changes, stress, diet and even medications, so your treatment options will vary, based on these factors.
Step 1
Talk to a dermatologist to determine which treatment option is best for you. Health care providers can often discern whether you are suffering from pattern baldness or another condition that is causing you to lose your hair. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment can begin.
Step 2
Give your hair time to grow back. According to the National Institutes of Health, hair loss due to hormonal changes, stress, diet and medications can correct itself when the cause is eliminated and the hair is given time to grow back on its own. You may not need any form of treatment to encourage new hair growth.
Step 3
Go in for corticosteroid injections. If you are suffering from a form of alopecia known as alopecia areata, you may experience hair growth from corticosteroid injections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Typically, you will need to go into the doctor once a month for treatment, but you may also benefit from topical solutions. Discuss these options with your doctor.
Step 4
Apply minoxidil onto the scalp. A twice-daily application of minoxidil can stop additional hair loss and may cause new hair growth in some people, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. It is available in either prescription or non-prescription strength.
Step 5
Try finasteride. Another prescription medication that has shown to prevent further hair loss is finasteride, advises the American Academy of Dermatology. However, it may also provide some hair growth during its use. Unlike minoxidil, this medication is taken by mouth once a day. Results vary from person to person.
Tips and Warnings
- If medications fail to provide the expected results, consider talking to a hair loss professional about hair transplant procedures to improve the thickness of your hair.
- Finasteride is typically not used to treat female pattern baldness, so talk to your doctor about other treatment options if you are suffering from this condition.
Things You'll Need
- Corticosteroids
- Minoxidil
- Finasteride
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