Hair growth treatments that actually make a difference

Hair loss feels personal. You want treatments that work, not hype. The right option depends on why you’re losing hair. Is it genetics, a medication you take, stress, or something nutritional? Start there—treat the cause and you get better results.

Here are clear, practical options and when to consider each one.

Topical and oral treatments

Topical minoxidil is the most widely used over-the-counter choice. It can slow shedding and help regrow hair for many people when used consistently for several months. Apply as directed and expect gradual change; stopping it usually reverses gains.

For men, finasteride is a common oral medicine that lowers DHT and can be very effective. Women are typically not prescribed finasteride; instead, doctors may consider spironolactone for hormonal hair thinning. Both oral medicines need a prescription and a chat with your doctor about side effects and monitoring.

If your hair loss began after starting a drug like methotrexate or sulfasalazine, the issue may be drug-induced alopecia. In many cases the hair returns when the medication is adjusted or stopped. Talk to your rheumatologist or prescribing doctor before changing therapy. Our site has specific reads on RA medications and drug-induced hair loss that can help you ask the right questions.

Procedures and clinic options

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, uses your blood to stimulate scalp healing and hair growth. Evidence is growing and many people see visible improvement after a few sessions. Hair transplant surgery is another option if you have stable hair loss and enough donor hair—expect recovery time and realistic expectations about density.

Low-level laser therapy is a noninvasive device option that some people use alongside other treatments. It’s low-risk but results vary; consider it as part of a combo rather than a solo fix.

Supplements and lifestyle changes can support treatment but rarely fix major hair loss alone. Check your iron, thyroid, and vitamin D with a doctor. Biotin helps only when you have a biotin deficiency. Improving sleep, reducing extreme dieting, and cutting back on tight hairstyles lower ongoing damage and make clinical treatments work better.

Quick checklist to move forward: 1) Get a basic blood panel and review any meds that might cause shedding. 2) Try minoxidil consistently for 4–6 months if you have diffuse thinning. 3) Discuss prescription options like finasteride or spironolactone with your clinician. 4) If topical/oral therapy is limited, ask about PRP or transplant referrals.

If you want targeted reading, see our pieces on drug-induced alopecia and dermatologist-approved treatments for practical comparisons and patient stories. Making a plan with a clinician will get you faster, more reliable results than chasing the latest miracle product.