Dealing with the stress, loss of confidence, and sleepless nights as you watch your hair thinning and receding day by day can really mess with your everyday life.
The way we see it, when your hair starts to thin and recede past the point you're comfortable with, you have two options. You can either shave it all off or try to grow it back.
Even though we're big fans of the increased confidence and other benefits that come with rocking the bald look, we understand that many guys and gals want to try and save those luscious locks while they still have them, so that's what we're going to cover in this guide.
This is not your ordinary list of hair loss treatments; we're only going to talk about stuff that actually works. We'll talk about combination treatments, plus some new technologies showing promise in restoring those lush locks.
Cutting Edge Hair Loss Treatments: What Really Works in 2024?
The "Big 4" Combination Treatment
What if you combine four of the most popular hair loss treatments based on science? Will the combo produce faster and better results?
A medical student experiencing hair thinning did his research and came up with the "Big 4" - a combination of finasteride (or Dutasteride), Minoxidil, Ketoconazole shampoo, and derma-rolling once every week or two.
Many balding men desperate to restore their hair will try anything to get their precious hair back, even if there's a risk of side effects.
Here's the Big 4:
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a popular hair loss treatment that comes in a topical solution or oral dose. It's a vasodilator type of drug that works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles.
Rogaine is a famous brand that you can apply twice daily as part of your Big 4 treatment for hair loss.
Be careful with the application of Minoxidil. One of the annoying side effects of the drug is it can stimulate hair follicles in the wrong places, like unwanted hair growth in women or ending up with eyebrows like Anthony Davis.
Finasteride
Finasteride is another popular and effective hair loss treatment, but it is also known for its sexual dysfunction side effects. Who would want that?
It works by lowering the DHT (dihydrotestosterone) hormone which is one of the main culprits in hair loss.
But one user shared that he never experienced the sexual side effects but experienced the opposite (greater sexual function). He attributes this to finasteride's' DHT-lowering effect, which boosts testosterone levels.
Some studies show that side effects from finasteride are infrequent, and if some experience side effects, lowering the dosage is one way to deal with the unwanted effects of the drug.
Ketoconazole
It's surprising to know that ketoconazole shampoo can stimulate hair follicles. While some baldies find this step unnecessary and stick to 1, 2, and 4, this study shows that applying 1% ketoconazole shampoo increased hair diameter and reduced hair shedding. It can also block DHT from destroying hair follicles.
While ketoconazole isn't FDA approved for hair loss, you can still try it as part of the Big 4.
Derma Rolling
The purpose of derma rolling is to stimulate blood flow to the scalp by using microneedles. The tiny "punctures" created by the derma roller causes triggers our bodies' response to wound healing (more blood flow).
This study showed that derma rolling and Minoxidil combined produced more hair growth than those using Minoxidil alone.
The Big 4 is a good combination therapy to try for hair growth. Remember that it's a lifetime romance when you use Minoxidil and finasteride. You will lose the hair you gained if you stop treatment.
So before you decide to use minoxidil, finasteride, or both to treat hair loss, ensure you're committed.
Additionally, keep an eye out for side effects. While relatively rare, they can be serious.
Combination Therapy - Minoxidil and Finasteride (A Big 4 Alternative)
If a Big 4 combination seems daunting and you want to take it slowly, a Big 2 combination therapy of minoxidil and finasteride is a good starting point.
A study published in 2015 in the Dermatologic Therapy Journal showed that 152 patients took minoxidil and finasteride, and 94% showed improvement in hair growth.
In 2023, a study showed that a combination of minoxidil and finasteride may create sustained hair growth in 24 weeks.
Check out our article on this combination treatment to learn more.
Alternative and Natural Treatments That Work
As a balding guy who was tirelessly looking for the holy grail in hair loss treatments before, I get excited when I stumble upon new technologies that have many testimonies of experiencing hair regrowth.
I want to share my experience with two products I bought not for hair loss (I am a happy and confident head shaver) but noticed that some of my hair was starting to grow back.
Frequency and Scalar Energy - Iteracare Device
Have you heard about the magic wand? That's what they call the Iteracare device, which has been making waves globally. A study by Russian scientists shows that Terahertz therapy may stimulate stem cells which may be part of the reason for the device's success.
Launched in 2021, the Iteracare device works by using terahertz frequency, quantum energy, and quartz technology. Nonsense new age buzzwords, or a legit form of therapy?
As Albert Einstein said, "Future medicine will be the medicine of frequencies."
The Iteracare device boasts a safe and noninvasive way of improving health and well-being, with hair growth being a side effect.
I bought one in March 2023 and have been using it for my overall health. I've read and watched numerous testimonies of fellow users showing before and after pics of white hair turning black and hair growing back.
Like me, I didn't use the wand specifically for hair loss, but I'm happy with the hair regrowth side effect.
Since I was shaving already, I wasn't paying attention to my head and was surprised when my wife told me a few months ago that I had new hair growth.
To learn more about the Iteracare device, check out their website.
Nanotechnology/ FIR (Far Infrared Radiation Apparel) - MGI Nano Cap
A study on FIR (Far Infrared Radiation) is being done to discover its biological effects and medical applications.
The guys at MGI Mega Gloryoung International have incorporated this FIR technology in their apparel using nanotechnology and have been getting numerous testimonies to help with various health conditions.
I bought the MGI Nano Cap not to treat hair loss, but to keep my bald head warm at night.
As I mentioned, there's hair regrowth, and my McDonald's logo is shrinking due to the combination treatment of this Nano Cap and the Iteracare device.
Can this reverse hair loss? We will see.
The Nano Cap is no ordinary beanie.
Aside from FIR, MGI claims that their apparel is also embedded with:
Nano Silver
Negative Ion
Anti-Radiation
Organic Germanium
72 Minerals
For more information on the Nano Cap, check out their website.
Laser treatments
Low-level laser therapy is said to help lower inflammation in hair follicles, which helps in hair regrowth. A 2016 review shows that low-level laser therapy is safe and effective for subjects with male-pattern baldness and female-pattern hair loss.
Rosemary Essential Oil
For baldies who prefer natural solutions to avoid the pesky side effects of prescription medication, essential oils are your best bet for hair regrowth.
When buying essential oils, buy from reputable companies to ensure quality.
Future Treatment for Hair Loss
Stem Cell Therapy
A Professor in Dermatology and Venereology at the University of Indonesia shared that the future of stem cell technology in treating hair loss and baldness looks promising. They conducted a study in 2021 and 2023 using secretomes (a stem cell derivative) in treating male pattern baldness and were pleased with the results. Subjects showed a significant increase in hair's number, density, and diameter.
Ritlecitinib (Litfulo)
If you suffer from alopecia, we have good news for you. The FDA has approved a new drug called ritlecitinib, sold as Litfulo. It works by blocking the inflammatory signals that cause hair loss.
What's notable about this medication is that it's the first one approved as safe for individuals with alopecia aged 12 and above.
GT20029
Kintor Pharmaceutical Ltd is in Phase 2 of clinical trials in China for their pattern hair loss drug GT20029. GT20029 is a topical gel that binds androgen receptor proteins, which is one of the causes of the progression of pattern hair loss. Phase 2 and 3 clinical tests haven't started in the U.S. so we may wait a few years before GT20029 is released in the U.S. market.
Lifestyle Changes You Can Make for Healthier Hair
Try to Reduce Stress
Stress not only affects our whole bodies, but it can lead to hair loss as well. To beat stress, you can:
Exercise
Listen to Music
Meditate
Sleep
Family Time
Our best recommendation would be to stop stressing about your hair loss. Since stress impacts hair loss, you must deal with it for treatments to work better.
My favorite stress buster is to spend time with family. We watch movies, eat out, and bond while spending time at the mall. Another family activity we enjoy is exercising. My wife and I walk for 30 minutes or swim at the clubhouse at least 2 to 3 times weekly.
We also do our best to sleep at least 8 hours a day. We go to bed early as well.
Quit Smoking
Smoking not only causes a variety of health problems, but it can also cause hair follicles to die. A 2021 study on 1000 male smokers showed that most of them had some hair loss versus less than half of the non-smokers.
If you love your hair or what's left of it, quit smoking now. It can make your thinning hair worse.
Nurturing Scalp Massage
You're missing a lot if you have yet to try a scalp massage. Not only does it feel good, but it may also help with hair growth.
A study involving nine men who had 4-minute scalp massages daily for 24 weeks showed that they had thicker hair at the end of the trial period.
A scalp massage is one of the top stress busters for me. My wife and I get a whole-body massage (with scalp massage) weekly to relieve stress.
Take Hair Supplements
The most effective hair loss treatments we shared may only work if you have a healthy scalp. There is a strong connection between hair loss and vitamin and mineral deficiency.
If you haven't heard, hair vitamins exist. These vitamins and minerals are proven to make our scalps healthier and hair stronger. Some of the best are:
Vitamin C
Biotin
Omega 3
Iron
Protein
Collagen
Vitamin A
Vitamin B
Vitamin E
Zinc
For a comprehensive list of vitamins, minerals, and supplements you can buy, check out our article on vitamins for a healthy scalp.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet that includes the vitamins and minerals we shared above is good way to a healthy scalp. On your next trip to the grocery, be sure to fill up your shopping cart with these hair-healthy food choices.
Eggs
Who doesn't love eggs for breakfast? We should include eggs as a staple. They're rich in biotin and protein which can promote hair growth.
Avocados
Avocados are an excellent source of healthy fats and Vitamin E, hair vitamins we need for a healthy scalp.
Plain, guacamole, or smoothie we love our avocados. We eat plain fruit, add milk, ice, and a little organic sugar.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is rich in protein and Vitamin B5 which supports scalp health. Add it to your salads or use it as a dip for nachos. My daughter loves to add raw garlic for an amazingly healthy and tasty dip.
The Bottom Line
As new technologies arise, the battle against hair loss continues. While there are proven and effective hair loss treatments like the Big 4, you may also try alternative remedies like frequency, FIR, low-level laser therapy, and rosemary oil to prevent further hair loss.
Don't forget to complement your hair loss treatments with hair care, like a scalp massage, and ensure you get enough vitamins and minerals in your diet through natural food or supplements.
FAQs
What is the Most Effective Hair Loss Treatment?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for hair loss. You need to know the cause before you can try hair loss treatments. Once you determine the reason for your hair loss, you can try any of the abovementioned treatments. Having said that, if you've exhausted all of the natural treatments, the Big 4 listed above will be one of the most effective hair loss treatments.
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?
If you're deficient in B Vitamins, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin C, Iron, and Vitamin D it may contribute hair loss.
Can Hair Grow Back After Thinning?
If you're losing 50 to 100 hairs a day, that's fine according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. More than this, you must find out the best treatment to address your situation.
Which Shampoos are Good for Hair Loss?
Shampoos that contain ingredients that fight hair loss may help. Some of the more popular shampoo ingredients are:
Biotin
Rosemary
Saw Palmetto
Green Tea
Collagen
Organic Coconut Oil
Caffeine
Zinc
Additionally, steer clear of shampoos containing sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances, silicones, alcohol, petroleum-based ingredients, synthetic colors, DEA, MEA, TEA, and propylene glycol. These ingredients can irritate the scalp, disrupt hormone balance, and potentially suffocate hair follicles, leading to weakened strands and increased hair loss.
How Long Does It Take to See Results from Hair Loss Treatments?
The length of time varies based on the type of treatment you choose. Generally, you need regular treatments before you see results. On average, it takes three to six months before improvements are noticed.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated with Hair Loss Treatments?
Yes, there are side effects depending on the hair treatment you use. Some may cause scalp irritation, like redness, itching, drying, or flaking. Some may cause unwanted hair growth on the face and hands.
Before deciding on a hair loss treatment, do your research and know the side effects if any.
