How To Combat Hair Loss: 6 Science-Based Solutions For Men and Women

We’re taking a look at LLLT, peppermint oil, and other tested things that can help.

Researched, written by Amber & The Team
Updated on January 25, 2023

Hair Brush As A Symbol To Combat Hair Loss

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How to combat hair loss?

While medicine has advanced quite a lot in the past decades, there are still many men and women struggling with hair loss. Even if hair loss does not have any harmful physiological effects, it does have an effect on mental health, especially for those who care about their looks and image in the eyes of society.

In this article, we are taking a look at modern and effective ways to combat hair loss of various kinds.

5 Effective Ways To Combat Hair Loss

1. Over-the-counter and prescription medication

The FDA approves two medications for male pattern baldness. One of them is Minoxidil, which is also called Rogaine, and it is available as a foam or liquid. This medication is applied to the scalp twice a day, and it is usually taken between four to six months for visible results depending on the dosage and application.

The other medication is called Finasteride, which is also called Propecia or Proscar. This medication is available only if you receive a prescription from the doctor. The effects of Finasteride usually show results after three months of use.

Man With Male Pattern Baldness Getting Treatment To Combat Hair Loss

Whichever of these medications you take over-the-counter in your local pharmacy, you should know that results may sometimes take up to a whole year. During that year, you should maintain using the medication without breaking the treatment.

2. Laser treatment

One of the modern ways to combat hair loss is laser treatment, as it is thought to reduce inflammation in the hair follicles. By reducing the inflammation (which keeps the follicles from regrowing), conditions like alopecia areata can be treated.

There are also other studies, like the one done in 2014, which suggest that low-level laser therapy can stimulate hair growth with different mechanisms. While there is limited support for these studies, another one in 2016 says that it is effective for male pattern baldness.

In 2019, there is a review that says that more research is needed. However, all of these studies are very promising, so maybe in a few years, laser therapy will become the best solution to combat hair loss effectively.

3. Hair transplants

There are all kinds of ways that someone can combat hair loss, but for those who have already lost a lot of hair, whether it is due to genetics or some sort of condition, the best solution is a hair transplant. Different techniques of hair transplant exist, and each person can have the best benefits from a different one.

Some people can get the best help for their problem by getting a biofibre hair transplant, while others might be fine with a traditional hair transplant procedure. Either way, when getting a hair transplant, it is best to consult with a surgeon.

4. Combat Hair Loss With Lifestyle changes

All kinds of things can affect hair loss when it comes to one’s lifestyle.

Smoking is the most common factor, as a study in 2020 noticed that men who smoke had hair loss compared to men who did not smoke.
Another important thing is the diet, as eating food that is rich in iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and high protein foods can stimulate hair growth.
Staying hydrated is also essential when trying to combat hair loss.

5. Alternative remedies

There are numerous studies when it comes to hair loss and alternative remedies seem to be a helpful way to combat hair loss as well. The studies with the most evidence are:

This study that shows that peppermint oil can help combat hair loss by boosting hair growth;
and this study that proves rosemary oil promotes blood circulation in the scalp.

Other alternative remedies that you can try to combat hair loss are:

coconut oil;
olive oil;
saw palmetto;
biotin (a vitamin that can be found in nuts, sweet potatoes, eggs, oats, and onions);
green tea;
hibiscus;
and many other remedies that a professional trichologist (hair loss doctor) can suggest.

6. Visiting a Doctor

When it comes to the most effective hair loss treatment for women, it is the one received from the doctors, as they can offer a long range of tests and treatments. Some of them may be similar to the ones we already mentioned on this list, and some may be improvements of them.

For example, a doctor can take some tests of your hair and your scalp and see what the ideal solution would be. A medical professional can also assess the health of your endocrine and reproductive system – both of which can affect hair loss in women too.

A doctor can also be the one that performs the hair transplants, as surgeons are also doctors. Visiting a doctor is especially important if you are experiencing hair loss with a rash or scaly skin on your scalp.

If you just started experiencing hair loss, early consultation with a doctor can help prevent it from getting worse.

The Biggest Enemy Of Healthy Hair

Hair loss is still, unfortunately, quite a big problem, despite all the possible remedies. While we mentioned various solutions to combat hair loss, we only mentioned a couple of actual factors that can lead to hair loss. However, we decided to leave the biggest offender for this conclusion, and it is stress.

Many believe that stress is the biggest cause of hair loss, so finding a way to lead a more relaxed lifestyle could be the best way to combat hair loss for good.

As with anything, try different things to see what helps your hair loss situation most.