Different Ways to Stimulate Hair Growth for Men in 2024
Treatments for hair loss range from laser therapy and hair transplants to pharmaceuticals. If you're seeking for a male therapy, continue reading to view our recommendations with their benefits, drawbacks, and prices split down.
Environmental factors or genetics can contribute to hair loss, which is not always preventable. However, there are therapies and cures that could aid in delaying the process.
Find out which vitamins and special tonics have some promise in treating or preventing hair loss before you run out and buy them.
Language matters
In this article, unless we are quoting from sources that use nonspecific terminology, we refer to someone's gender as "men and women" and their sex as determined by their chromosomes as "male and female." Chromosomes determine sex, but gender is a social construct that varies among cultures and historical times. Both historically and by the agreement of contemporary science, both of these aspects are recognized to exist on a continuum.
Causes of hair loss in males
Hair loss may result from:
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Genetics and family history: You have a higher chance of developing hair loss if any of your family do. A genetic disorder known as androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, causes people to gradually lose their hair.
This may manifest as thinning areas on the crown of your head or a slowly receding hairline.
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Medication conditions: Hair loss can be a symptom of autoimmune disorders or hormonal issues. For instance, bald patches or thinning hair may result from thyroid issues, scalp infections, or trichotillomania, a disorder that causes excessive hair pulling.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes bald patches in areas of the body where the immune system assaults hair follicles.
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Medications and medical treatments: A number of drugs used to treat ailments like cancer, depression, gout, heart disease, and arthritis may cause hair loss as a side effect.
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Stress: Stressful situations or long-term stress may cause temporary hair thinning.
Finding a treatment depends on a person's preferences as well as the previously mentioned factors, regardless of the underlying cause. See which of our recommended treatments would be the greatest fit for you to evaluate your options.
Medication options
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication
Two drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat male pattern baldness:
The active component of Rogaine, minoxidil, is also offered as an oral tablet or liquid solution in generic form. Results from minoxidil and rogaine may not appear for four to six months. The right dosage and administration are necessary for the greatest outcomes.
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Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar): You take a tablet called finasteride once a day. You need a doctor's prescription to get it. According to the FDA, using the medication consistently for at least three months is usually necessary to observe any benefits.
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Combination minoxidil and finasteride: A prescription medication that combines finasteride and minoxidil may be beneficial for certain individuals who are experiencing hair loss. The maximum concentration of minoxidil that is sold over-the-counter is 5%.
Anything over 5% requires a prescription, but users can be assessed to determine whether they would benefit from this treatment and a minoxidil concentration over 5% using services like Roman, Keeps, and Happy Head.
It could take up to a year to observe effects from finasteride and minoxidil, and you'll need to continue taking them to keep the advantages.
Hair transplants
Follicle unit extraction and transplantation are the two most common hair transplant techniques.
Remember that both hair transplant treatments include the risk of being somewhat uncomfortable and can be costly because they are classified as surgeries.
Additionally, there are significant hazards, such as scarring and infections. To achieve the desired results, you might need to undergo numerous hair transplant treatments.
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT)
The more "classic" approach is FUT. It entails removing a little amount of skin, usually from the hair-rich rear of the head. A surgeon will next extract the follicles in that skin strip. The hair follicles are ultimately placed back into the section of your scalp that is losing hair.
Follicular unit extraction (FUE)
With FUE, a surgeon takes individual hair follicles from the scalp and transplants them into the areas of the scalp that are bald. A modified form of this technique is called direct hair implantation (DHI), and it involves using a specialized tool to finish the process.
Laser treatment
It is believed that laser therapy can lessen follicular inflammation, which inhibits regeneration in certain cases of hair loss, such as alopecia areata.
A 2013 review indicates that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) treatment may promote hair growth through different pathways for other types of hair loss.
Studies supporting the efficacy of laser therapies for hair loss are scarce. However, a review from 2015 suggests that using LLLT to treat male pattern hair loss is both safe and effective.
A 2019 study states that further LLLT research is still required.
Lifestyle changes
Quit smoking
If you smoke, you've probably heard about the harm smoking causes to your lungs. However, did you realize that smoking and hair loss may be related?
In 2020, a study with one thousand men revealed that less than half of the participants did not smoke, while most smokers experienced some degree of hair loss.
Giving up smoking may help reduce hair loss.
Scalp massage
Not only do massages feel amazing, but they might also be beneficial for hair loss. The hair follicles are stimulated by scalp massage.
In a tiny 2016 study, healthy Japanese men who got daily scalp massages for 24 weeks at a time, for 4 minutes, ended up with thicker hair.
2019 research also revealed a correlation between self-perceived increases in hair density and scalp massages.
Balanced diet
A good diet could contribute to the health of your hair. A diverse range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, and lean proteins should all be a part of your diet. Limiting sweets is beneficial as well.
According to a 2018 assessment of the literature, healthy hair may be related to specific vitamins and minerals that are present in food. Think about including these items in your diet:
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Foods high in iron, such as eggs, beans, green leafy vegetables, lean steak, and grains enriched with iron.
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Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, including walnuts, hemp seeds, salmon, mackerel, tuna, and flaxseeds.
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Foods high in protein, such shellfish, lean meats, and eggs.
A healthy diet also includes lots of water consumption.
Reduce stress
Stress can cause hair loss and have negative consequences on the body, including the hair.
Among the techniques to lessen stress are:
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Frequent physical activity, such as exercising
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Listening to music
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Practicing yoga
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Meditating
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Getting enough sleep
Natural remedies
Oils
According to certain data from a 2014 study on mice, peppermint oil may promote hair growth. Another traditional remedy for improving scalp blood circulation is rosemary oil.
According to a 2013 study, mice's hair regrowth was enhanced by rosemary leaf extract.
Castor oil, olive oil, and coconut oil are also highly advised. However, a 2020 assessment of the literature found that they have little effect on hair growth.
Saw palmetto
Small berries are produced by the saw palmetto shrub.
Although there is little data on saw palmetto's efficacy in treating hair loss, a review published in 2020 indicates that it may promote hair growth with little adverse effects.
Biotin
Vitamin biotin is naturally present in foods such as:
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Nuts
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Sweet potatoes
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Eggs
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Onions
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Oats
A woman with a shortage in biotin has been the subject of most studies, however there is some indication that taking biotin may help reduce hair loss. Nevertheless, there is insufficient proof to suggest that biotin supplements have any real impact on healthy people.
Onion juice
In adults with patchy alopecia areata, a small 2014 study found that applying onion juice as a topical treatment led to much more regrowth than using tap water alone. There has to be more study done on male pattern hair loss sufferers.
Bhringraj
The false daisy, or bhringraj (Eclipta alba), is a plant that belongs to the sunflower family. It is said to as a herb that promotes hair development in Ayurvedic treatment.
In a 2008 study on rats, the herb's extracts produced greater hair growth than minoxidil. To validate these effects in humans, more research is necessary.
Green tea
Green tea is another alleged natural treatment for hair loss.
Green tea's polyphenolic components demonstrated promise as a natural treatment for hair loss in a 2005 study conducted on rats. However, no human studies have been conducted to validate these effects.
Hibiscus
In India, Chinese hibiscus, or Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, is extensively sold as a hair growth supplement. Positive benefits on hair follicles were demonstrated in a 2003 study conducted on mice; no human trials have been conducted.
What is male pattern baldness?
Androgenetic alopecia, another name for male pattern baldness, is a hereditary condition. According to Medline Plus, almost 50% of men over 50 are affected. Stress and other autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata, however, can also have an impact on hair loss.
It is normal to shed between fifty and one hundred hairs per day. Since new hair always grows in to replace the lost hair, this loss is usually undetectable. Baldness and excessive hair loss result from either stopping the growth of new hairs or excessive hair loss.
You can observe a sudden patch of baldness or gradually decreasing hair, depending on the source of your hair loss. Your body may be affected by hair loss, or only the hair on your scalp.
Hair care tips
Be gentle with your locks
As you brush or style your hair, try to be as gently as you can. Hair loss may result from pulling, twisting, or twirling your hair constantly.
If hair loss is a concern for you, you might want to stay away from the following:
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Buns, braids, cornrows, and pigtails are examples of tight hairstyles.
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Chemicals used in hair straightening and perm procedures.
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Irons for curling or straightening that are heated.
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Blotting your hair.
See a qualified professional for assistance if you decide to use chemicals or bleach on your hair. Never attempt to do it on your own at home.
Visit a doctor
Get a checkup
In addition to heredity, a number of illnesses can result in hair loss. Taking care of any underlying medical issues may assist in treating your hair loss.
The following illnesses may cause hair loss:
See a doctor about addressing underlying illnesses if you have any of these conditions or if you're having symptoms other than hair loss. As your condition gets better, your hair loss should also get better.
Discuss your medications with a doctor
Hair loss may occur after using some drugs. As examples, consider:
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Treatments with radiation and chemotherapy
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Some anticoagulants, or blood thinners
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Certain medications for depression
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Drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure
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Certain cardiac drugs
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Gout drugs
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Accutane, or isotretinoin, is a medication for acne.
A note on prescription medications
Before altering or quitting a medicine you're currently taking, see your doctor.
Ways to prevent hair loss
It's possible that your hair loss won't cease entirely if you've already noticed thinning hair or if male pattern baldness runs in your family. However, you might be able to stop it or lessen it.
To help men avoid losing their hair, try these suggestions:
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Look for strategies to reduce your stress.
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Maintaining an active lifestyle and eating a well-balanced diet will benefit your general health.
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Steer clear of haircuts that constantly tug on your hair.
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Make use of hair products that aid in stopping hair loss.
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Steer clear of smoking.
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Try giving yourself a scalp massage.
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Consult a medical expert to determine whether any drugs or underlying illnesses may be aggravating your hair loss.
What is the expense of treating hair loss?
Depending on the treatment you choose to attempt, hair loss treatments might get expensive.
As an illustration:
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A three-month supply of the brand-name medication Rogaine can cost approximately $46; a three-month supply of the generic minoxidil treatments can cost approximately $51.
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Prices for a one-month supply of brand-name Propecia start at $115, however generic finasteride is accessible through pharmacies like Roman for $20 per month and Keeps for about $27 per month, at a possible cheaper cost.
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The price range for hair transplants is between $3,000 and $15,000.
OTC vitamins and generic drugs are typically less expensive.
The prices shown are for January 2024.
When to consult a doctor
Seek medical attention if you:
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Have abrupt, sporadic hair loss.
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Consider taking a medicine to help with your hair loss.
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Possess a rash as well.
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Possess scaly skin.
Frequently asked questions concerning male hair loss treatments
What's the best way to treat hair loss in men?
To find out which hair loss treatment might be right for you, consult a doctor. OTC and home cures aren't always effective, even though they might help some people.
Is it possible to treat hair loss? Do treatments for hair loss work?
Treatments for hair loss such as over-the-counter, prescription, and home remedies work for some people. But not everyone finds success with them.
For instance, Rogaine is most effective for individuals who have inherited baldness near the nape of the head.
OTC products typically have lower success rates than hair transplants. They won't work as well, though, if you have extensive baldness or thinning, or if your hair loss is brought on by chemotherapy or medicine.
How can I quit taking my hair loss medication?
Depending on the medication you're taking, yes. You must continue taking prescription or over-the-counter medications like Rogaine or Propecia for the duration of the recommended dosage in order to maintain results.
How can hair loss be treated permanently?
Usually, hair implants are permanent. However, based on your desired rate of hair growth, you might require more than one implant.
Is it possible to halt hair loss? Can balding cause hair to regrow?
While regrowth is possible in certain cases and conditions, it is still possible to regenerate hair with treatment, medicine, or a combination of the two.
In the event that your hair loss or thinning is linked to a period of elevated stress or a shift in your dietary habits, you will probably start to regenerate hair gradually as your stress levels subside or as your dietary habits improve.
However, it is doubtful that common drugs like minoxidil and finasteride would promote hair growth if your hair loss is brought on by a disorder like alopecia areata or alopecia totalis, or by injury to and scarring from your scalp.
Consult a healthcare provider about the possible causes of your hair loss and the most effective treatment options if you are not satisfied with the outcomes of over-the-counter or home remedies for hair loss, such as Rogaine.
Takeaway
You might choose to try one of the many hair loss treatments available. These consist of over-the-counter and prescription drugs, hair implants, and natural cures.
Consult a physician beforehand. They can assist you in determining the root reason of your hair loss and the most effective course of action.
