If you’ve performed a simple Google search for hair loss treatments, you will be aware that there is a wide range of products available on the market. But given the huge variety of products, it’s important to question – do hair loss treatments actually work? The truth of the matter is that no medication is 100% effective, but there are two that have been clinically proven to treat male pattern hair loss – Finasteride and Minoxidil. So, let’s take a look at some of them more closely and how effective they are.
How effective are hair loss treatments?
For most men, hair loss treatments are effective. However, the treatment that you opt for and the consistency with which you take it will make a big difference in how successful the medication is. What’s more, there are only two medications that have been clinically proven to treat male pattern hair loss – Finasteride and Minoxidil – and we explain below how effective they are when taken consistently.
Finasteride
Finasteride is the leading hair loss treatment; make no mistake about it. Research shows that Finasteride is effective for 8/10 men who take it to treat male pattern hair loss. The main role of this medication is to prevent a growth hormone called DHT from binding to the receptors on your hair follicles. If left untreated, DHT can cause your hair follicles to shrivel, shrink, and eventually die out, leading to long-term hair loss.
But by successfully blocking DHT, Finasteride effectively treats any genetic predisposition to the growth hormone. The best way to take this medication is orally as a capsule, and it’s so important to be consistent with your treatment if you want to see long-term benefits.
Minoxidil
As a vasodilator, Minoxidil increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the areas of your scalp affected by male pattern hair loss. Therefore, it is capable of revitalising shrunken hair follicles and can even stimulate their regrowth. As is the case with Finasteride, Minoxidil has been clinically prove to treat male pattern hair loss and is effective approximately 66% of the time when used in isolation. But the best way to use both of these medications is to combine them, as they’re extremely effective when used in conjunction with one another.
Are there any other hair loss treatments?
Finasteride and Minoxidil are the only medications that have been clinically prove to treat male pattern hair loss. That being said, there are a number of other products that you can turn to in order to supplement these medications. One such option is Biotin – vitamin B7 – which is call to play a big role in keratin production. Keratin is key for the health of your nails, skin, and hair, and taking a supplement can make a big difference to the quality of the hair on your head. You can also use a DHT-blocking shampoo as part of your daily routine, as it can effectively complement the key role that Finasteride plays in preventing DHT from binding to your follicles.
Recap: The effectiveness of hair loss treatments
The key thing to remember is that only Finasteride and Minoxidil are clinically prove to treat male pattern hair loss, and they’re best use in conjunction with one another. You also need to be consistent with your daily application, as skipping days will limit the effectiveness of your treatment.
