20 Effective Treatments for Hair Loss: A Scholarly Overview

Baldness, also known as alopecia, is a common condition where hair loss occurs on the scalp or other parts of the body. There is no cure for baldness, but there are treatments that can help slow down or conceal hair loss, such as:

Minoxidil – It is a topical medication used for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and other forms of hair loss. It works by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. (Reference: 1)
Finasteride – It is an oral medication used for the treatment of AGA. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair loss. (Reference: 2)
Dutasteride – It is an oral medication used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and AGA. Like finasteride, it also inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, but has a more potent effect on both isozymes of the enzyme. (Reference: 3)
Topical and oral corticosteroids – They are medications used to treat various skin conditions, including alopecia areata. They work by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation. (Reference: 4)
5-alpha reductase inhibitors – As mentioned above, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride and dutasteride are used to treat AGA by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT. (Reference: 2, 3)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy – It is a non-surgical procedure used for the treatment of hair loss. It involves the injection of a patient’s own plasma, which is rich in growth factors, into the scalp to promote hair growth. (Reference: 5)
Microneedling – It is a minimally invasive procedure used for the treatment of hair loss. It involves the use of fine needles to create micro-injuries in the scalp, which stimulates the growth of new hair. (Reference: 6)
Hair transplantation – It is a surgical procedure used for the treatment of hair loss. It involves the transplantation of hair follicles from a patient’s donor area to the balding area. (Reference: 7)
Laser therapy – It is a non-invasive procedure used for the treatment of hair loss. It involves the use of low-level laser light to increase blood flow and oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. (Reference: 8)
Hormone therapy – It is a treatment option for hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances, such as those seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders. It involves the use of medications to regulate hormones and restore balance. (Reference: 9)
Nutritional supplements – They are oral supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are believed to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. (Reference: 10)
Ketoconazole shampoo – It is a medicated shampoo that contains the antifungal ingredient ketoconazole and is used to treat fungal infections of the scalp, such as dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis, which can cause hair loss. (Reference: 11)
Anti-androgens – They are medications that block the action of male hormones that can contribute to hair loss. (Reference: 12)
Scalp reduction surgery – It is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the bald scalp is removed and the remaining hair-bearing scalp is stretched and sutured together to reduce the size of the bald area. (Reference: 13)
Flap surgery – It is a surgical procedure in which a portion of hair-bearing skin is lifted from the scalp and moved to a bald area, where it is sutured into place. (Reference: 14)
Tissue expansion – It is a surgical procedure in which a balloon-like device is placed under the skin of the scalp, causing it to stretch and grow, and eventually replaced by a scalp flap. (Reference: 15)
Wigs and hairpieces – They are artificial hair covers that can be worn to conceal hair loss. (Reference: 16)
Scalp micropigmentation – It is a cosmetic procedure in which a tattoo artist uses micro-needles to create the illusion of hair stubble on a bald scalp. (Reference: 17)
Herbal remedies – They are natural remedies, such as saw palmetto, used for the treatment of hair loss. (Reference: 18)
Prostaglandin analogs – They are medications, such as latanoprost, that mimic the action of naturally occurring prostaglandins and are used to treat hair loss. (Reference: 19)