Seeing a bit more of your scalp these days?
According to NYU Langone, more than 80% of men and nearly half of women experience hair loss at some point in their lives. But with so much info out there, figuring out which remedies are most effective — and navigating potential side effects — can be tough.
“There are several effective treatments available for hair loss, and the best approach depends on an individual’s specific diagnosis and needs, which should be thoroughly reviewed with a dermatologist,” Dr. Brian Abittan, Director of Skin and Hair Rejuvenation and Director of Hair Transplantation at the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai, told The Post.
Here, experts have broken down the ups and downs of some of the most popular options for hair growth on the market.
Minoxidil
Commonly sold under the brand name Rogaine, minoxidil pushes hair into the growth phase of the hair growth cycle and restores inactive hair follicles — and there’s a reason it’s the most well-known remedy.
“Minodixil helps stimulate hair growth,” Manhattan board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dina Strachan told The Post.
“The downsides are that it can cause growth where one doesn’t want it, too. Topically, it can cause irritation, and if taken orally, it can affect blood pressure and cause swelling of the face, legs and even the heart.”
Abbitan strongly recommends that patients with cardiac issues be carefully evaluated before using minoxidil.
With minoxidil, hair growth typically occurs after the medication has been used for several months and lasts only as long as the use is continued.
Finasteride
Finasteride, commonly sold under the brand name Propecia, was initially developed to treat an enlarged prostate by blocking the production of 5-alpha reductase, a male enzyme that also contributes to male pattern baldness.
Blocking it limits DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that prevents hair follicles from absorbing nutrients, leading to shrinking follicles and, ultimately, hair loss.
“Finasteride has been shown to slow hair loss and even regrow hair in some cases, but it carries a low risk of side effects, including erectile dysfunction, reduced sperm count and, less commonly, depression,” said Abittan.
The use of this treatment is linked to post-finasteride syndrome (PFS), a condition in which someone experiences severe side effects after they stop using finasteride.
In April, the FDA issued a warning about topical finasteride products distributed by telehealth companies, citing several reports of adverse events such as erectile dysfunction, anxiety, suicidal ideation, brain fog, depression, fatigue, insomnia, decreased libido and testicular pain.
Anecdotally, one Army vet said his genitals shrank and changed shape, and his sex drive plummeted, while he was on it.
Redensyl
Considered a DHT blocker, Redensyl is a plant-based treatment for hair loss that includes natural ingredients like DHQG, glycine, zinc chloride, meta-bisulfite, EGCG 2, water, glycerin and Larch wood oil.
While minoxidil boosts hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp, Redensyl reactivates dormant hair follicles, strengthening them and triggering the production of new hair cells.
“Redensyl stimulates hair growth,” said Strachan, though she warned that the treatment can cause irritation and dandruff.
Other experts suggest it is most effective in patients with mild thinning or for those who can’t tolerate minoxidil.
Biotin
Biotin is a B vitamin crucial to a wide range of metabolic processes, including the production of the protein keratin that makes up the hair shaft.
But taking a supplement will probably only make a difference if your body was short on it in the first place.
“A biotin deficiency can cause hair loss. However, taking extra biotin if there is no deficiency is unlikely to help with hair growth,” said Strachan.
“The downside of taking biotin is that it can affect the accuracy of the blood test values for people with thyroid disease and heart attacks. It can also cause GI upset.”
Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil is touted as a natural way to stimulate hair growth, prevent premature graying and alleviate dry or itchy scalp, with an oft-cited study showing it worked as well as 2% minoxidil (though the most common dosage for minoxidil is 5%).
It has been shown to support circulation, which may prevent hair follicles from being denied critical blood supply, a leading cause of hair loss.
“Antioxidant and antiinflammatory qualities of rosemary oil may be of benefit in hair loss,” said Strachan.
“It may also improve circulation around the hair follicle. Some studies suggest that it may be as effective as minoxidil. The downsides are that it may cause irritation and should be avoided in pregnancy.”
According to research, rosemary oil may also increase nerve growth factor, a protein that helps neurons develop, survive and maintain themselves. NGF promotes the healing and rejuvenation of nerves in the scalp, thereby restoring hair growth.
Other supplements to consider
Strachan listed zinc as an effective addition to any hair loss arsenal.
“Zinc helps anchor hair to the head, and a deficiency can cause hair loss,” he explain. “Studies show that zinc supplementation can help people with alopecia areata and zinc deficiency. It’s important to note that blood levels in the low range of normal for zinc may reflect a deficiency in the hair.”
Side effects from zinc supplementation include nausea and liver inflammation, and excess zinc intake can lead to a copper deficiency, which can cause neurological problems.
Additionally, studies show that red ginseng extract can promote hair growth in cultured human hair follicles.
Pairing these remedies with scalp massage may also help. Dr. Ross Kopelman, a hair restoration surgeon in New York City, previously told The Post that it’s an effective way to boost blood flow and promote a proper environment for hair growth.
What option is right for you?
Contrary to popular belief, hair loss is not a single diagnosis.
While many believe hair loss to be exclusively genetic, plenty of factors can contribute to going bald or thinning out. These include stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, menopause for women and underlying medical conditions like thyroid disease.
Self-diagnosis can be ineffective at best — and dangerous at worst.
“People start using drugs and supplements before they have a diagnosis for their hair loss,” said Strachan. “There are several types of hair loss. Get a diagnosis so that you can get the right treatment.”
“With the increasing number of treatments marketed — especially online — it is important to critically evaluate the clinical evidence and safety data behind each option,” Abbitan added. “A dermatologist can help navigate these choices and develop a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan.”
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