Ways to Reverse Hair Loss

By: Christopher Jacoby 

Male pattern baldness is very common, with an estimated 40 million men in the United States being affected by it in some degree. A quarter of men begin balding by the age of 20, and two out of three men being balding by age 60. Both parents contribute to their offspring’s likelihood of baldness. Studies put the odds of getting a genetic predisposition to baldness at 4 out of 7.

With such a large number of men being affected by male pattern baldness, many millions of men seek out hair loss reversal treatments. Hair loss reversal is certainly one of the most contested medical topics. There are currently a few FDA approved hair loss treatments available which have been shown to reverse or reduce hair loss. There are a far greater number of non-approved treatments and products for hair loss reversal.

How Hair Loss Happens

Before discussing treatments and ways to reverse hair loss, a brief background on how hair loss occurs is helpful. Scientific studies have not pinpointed the exact cause of hair loss, but it is thought to be due to the effect Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent sex hormone. DHT is thought to initiate a process called follicular miniaturization in which the width of hair shafts is reduced to become like peach fuzz or non-existent.

Hair loss happens in common patterns that are shown on the "Norwood Scale." This scale identifies the severity of hair loss and how male pattern hair loss typically progresses. The process of hair loss can take years, however the earlier that hair loss treatments are administered, the more hair that will be saved in the long run.

Hair Loss Treatments

There are several types of hair loss treatments, and some have shown to be more effective than others. Some of the more effective hair loss treatments include: DHT inhibitors, growth stimulants, anti-androgens, and anti-inflammatories. Other treatments are available to reverse hair loss but are not as proven with both anecdotal and scientific evidence as the aforementioned treatments.

Even so, out of these treatments, only two: DHT inhibitors (Propecia) and growth stimulants (Minoxidil) have been FDA approved for the treatment of hair loss. The other two: Anti-androgens and anti-inflammatories work on the same scientific basis as DHT inhibitors and growth stimulants, but are not approved by the FDA. A physician would only likely recommend the use of Propecia or Minoxidil, or both in combination.

DHT Inhibitors

DHT inhibitors work by reducing the body’s levels of DHT, the hormone thought to be responsible for male pattern hair loss. These have been shown to be very effective at preventing future hair loss in many cases, and are one of the only effective and proven hair loss treatments. Products like Propecia and Revivogen are DHT inhibitors. DHT inhibitors treat hair loss by treating the actual cause of the hair loss, which is important for those who are looking at hair loss reversal.

DHT inhibitors typically have a number of side effects that vary. Typically, DHT inhibitors cause sexual side effects, of which the most commonly reported are impotence and abnormal ejaculation. These side effects can substantial for some of those who take Propecia and other DHT inhibitors, and in other individuals these side effects are less pronounced. As a result, some may look to other treatment options for hair restoration and hair loss prevention.

Growth Stimulants

Minoxidil, which is found in Rogaine and other products, is a growth stimulant. It is not clear how these products scientifically work to stimulate hair growth, but in studies it has shown to restore hair. Minoxidil in particular is a vasodilator that widens the blood vessels and opens potassium channels allowing more blood and nutrients to go to the follicle. Growth stimulants are capable of reversing hair loss to a degree, but for the best effect these are typically combined with a DHT inhibitor so that further hair loss is prevented while past hair loss is restored.

Anti-Androgens

Anti-androgens work on the same principal of DHT inhibitors. These include topical creams that protect follicles from the effects of DHT inhibitors. By working topically, the side effects of lowering the whole body’s DHT levels are eliminated. However, anti-androgens may be used in combination with DHT inhibitors. They are an alternative for those who do not want to use DHT inhibitors due to the side effects associated with them.

Anti-Inflammatories

Nizoral is an anti-inflammatory that is thought to reduce some of the inflammation and immune responses to treatments like growth stimulants and antiandrogens. These treatments are not designed to restore hair but rather complement other treatments and allow them to be more effective. It is debatable whether or not anti-inflammatories are necessary or useful for hair restoration. The evidence for the effectiveness Nizoral and other treatments like it is anecdotal.

Surgery

Hair transplantation surgery involves implanting follicles from a donor site to a recipient site. Grafts of 1-4 hairs with modern surgical techniques can be implanted on the recipient site using a minimally invasive surgical technique called Follicular Unit Extraction. Another technique called Strip Harvesting is available by which a strip of scalp is removed and then cut into grafts which are then transplanted. This method is more invasive and leaves a scar which is minimally visible when covered by hair. Surgery is one of the most guaranteed and effective treatments for hair loss, but it is substantially more expensive than the other mentioned treatment options.

Other Methods

There are a plethora of stories of successful hair restoration using other supplements, techniques, and products. Some have suggested that altering diet and reducing stress levels can have an effect on stopping or slowing hair loss, however this is not scientifically proven.

A type of product called a laser comb has recently received attention for supposed abilities to restore hair loss. This product works by producing laser beams which supposedly increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulates the regrowth of hair while preventing hair loss.

In most cases, those who are looking to reverse their hair loss would benefit from the two FDA approved treatments in combination: Propecia and Minoxidil, and potentially an anti-inflammatory or anti-androgen treatment if warranted, while other treatments should be explored cautiously.

Source: healthguidance.org