Medicines and Products for Hair Loss

Treatment depends on the type of hair loss. Medicines should be chosen after a diagnosis, not by trial and error.

Commonly prescribed treatments

• Minoxidil (topical): used for pattern hair loss in men and women. It can slow loss and help regrowth in some people, but it must be used long term, and hair may shed at first. Stopping it usually reverses the gain.
• Finasteride (oral): used in men with pattern loss. It has possible side effects and is not for women who are or may become pregnant. A doctor should prescribe it.
• Corticosteroids: creams, injections or short oral courses for alopecia areata, decided by a dermatologist.
• Antifungal medicines: for tinea capitis, taken for weeks.
• Iron, B12 or vitamin D: only when blood tests show a deficiency.
• Treatment of the underlying cause: such as thyroid disease or PCOS.
• Procedures: platelet-rich plasma, laser devices and hair transplant are options, but evidence quality varies and results are not guaranteed.

Ayurvedic and herbal products

Many oils, tablets and shampoos are sold with strong claims. Few have good trial evidence. Be cautious about products promising guaranteed regrowth.

Safety

• Do not use someone else's prescription.
• Report scalp burning, rash, palpitations, dizziness or mood change to your doctor.
• Check that herbal products carry a licence number and ingredient list.

Key point

Ask your doctor what result to expect and by when. Most treatments need 3 to 6 months to judge.

Before your appointment

Note when shedding began, how much you lose, and any recent illness, fever, surgery, crash diet, new medicine or stress. Bring recent blood reports such as ferritin, thyroid, B12 and vitamin D, a list of the products you use, and monthly photos of your parting. Mention any family history of hair loss or autoimmune disease.