Best Hair Loss Treatments for Men (2024)

BEST FOR MEN

1

9.8

EXCELLENT

Hims

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9.8

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BEST OVERALL

Happy Head

  • Customized Rx hair growth treatments
  • 100% online, prescribed by dermatologists
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9.7

EXCELLENT

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3

9.2

VERY GOOD

Ro

  • See results in as little as 3 months
  • Prescription-strength treatments
  • Get $40 off your first order

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What Are Topical Hair Loss Treatments for Men?

Topical hair loss treatments are among the most popular options for men with hair loss. These treatments are applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair growth, reduce hair thinning and prevent further hair loss.

Two of the most well-known topical treatments are finasteride and minoxidil, both of which have been studied and proven to help combat hair loss in men. Note: finasteride is also available orally.

Finasteride* works by lowering your levels of DHT, a hormone that comes from testosterone and can shrink hair follicles, while minoxidil improves blood flow to hair follicles, promoting healthier and stronger hair growth.

Other topical treatments, such as corticosteroids, can be used for specific hair loss due to alopecia areata or other scalp conditions.

Consult your doctor before starting any new hair loss treatment to ensure it’s right for you.

Topical Solutions for Various Types of Hair Loss

Different types of hair loss require tailored treatments to address the underlying causes and promote healthy regrowth. Understanding the specific condition you’re dealing with can help you and your doctor determine the best topical solution for you.

Here are the most common treatments for various hair loss issues:

  • Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness: Minoxidil and topical finasteride* are two well-known alternatives to oral medications, as they can help avoid side effects like sexual dysfunction.
  • Alopecia areata: Corticosteroid creams and minoxidil can be beneficial in managing this autoimmune condition.
  • Telogen effluvium: Topical treatments don’t easily solve hair loss due to stress or nutritional deficiencies. Over-the-counter minoxidil can help, but it won’t address the underlying issues causing this type of hair loss. Changing your diet, taking vitamins and finding ways to reduce stress can help.
  • Traction alopecia: Minoxidil may aid in hair regrowth as long as you don’t have permanent scarring, but you’ll also want to reduce tension on your hair to avoid future hair loss.
  • Scalp psoriasis: Treatments like salicylic acid can help those with plaque psoriasis by removing dead skin and scales. And topical corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation, redness, and itching caused by psoriasis.

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Hims: Regrow hair in as few as 3-6 months

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How to Choose the Best Hair Loss Treatment for You

The right hair loss treatment for you depends on the severity of your hair loss, your lifestyle and your treatment preferences. With so many options available, it’s important to understand how each treatment works and choose one that fits your daily routine. You may also want to speak to a doctor for treatment recommendations.

Topical vs. Oral Treatments

Topical treatments, like minoxidil and corticosteroid creams, are applied directly to the scalp to help treat the affected area. Oral treatments, including oral finasteride, are taken as pills. While oral treatments can be more convenient, they can come with side effects like sexual dysfunction. Generally, topical treatments have fewer side effects compared to oral medications.

Prescription Treatments

Prescription treatments may be necessary in more severe cases or when over-the-counter options are ineffective. Some prescription treatments include:

  • Finasteride: Available in both oral and topical forms, finasteride can help prevent hair loss and promote regrowth by lowering DHT levels.
  • Dutasteride: FDA-approved to treat enlarged prostate, but is sometimes prescribed as an off-label treatment for hair loss.**
  • Spironolactone: Sometimes prescribed off-label for men, it can help in some hair loss cases, such as alopecia.
  • Corticosteroids: Used to reduce inflammation in conditions like alopecia areata.

Over-the-Counter Options

For those starting their hair loss treatment journey or looking for maintenance options, several effective OTC treatments and supplements are available:

  • Minoxidil: FDA-approved in 2% and 5% strengths, it’s a widely used treatment.
  • Ketoconazole shampoo***: While not FDA-approved for male pattern baldness, preliminary research suggests it may benefit men suffering from androgenic alopecia.
  • Saw palmetto: An alternative to lower DHT levels, saw palmetto may help with hair growth.
  • Caffeine-based topicals: A 2018 study suggests that caffeine-based topicals could be effective for men with androgenetic alopecia.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Hair Loss Treatment

When choosing a hair loss treatment, consider the following factors:

  • Severity and type of hair loss: Different therapies are effective for various types of hair loss.
  • Convenience: Choose a treatment that fits your lifestyle and routine.
  • Side effects: Be aware of potential side effects and weigh them against the benefits.
  • Cost: Treatment costs can vary widely, so choose one that fits your budget.
  • Long-term commitment: Hair loss treatments often require long-term use to maintain results. Also, be sure to follow the medication’s directions, as excessive use could lead to side effects, such as thinning of the skin for some topical treatments.
  • Doctor’s advice: Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
  • Research: Read medical studies and consider the size and demographic of the study groups to ensure the treatment’s effectiveness is well-supported.

When to See a Doctor About Hair Loss

Hair loss can be distressing, but not all hair loss requires a doctor’s visit. You should consider seeing a doctor if:

  • Sudden or rapid hair loss: If you notice a sudden or rapid increase in hair loss, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
  • Bald patches: The appearance of bald patches may indicate conditions like alopecia areata, which require medical treatment.
  • Scalp issues: Persistent itching, redness or scaling on your scalp could signal a skin condition that needs medical attention.
  • Hair loss with other symptoms: If your hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss or muscle weakness, it might be related to a systemic issue.
  • Ineffectiveness of OTC treatments: If over-the-counter treatments don’t show results after several months, a doctor can provide other prescription options.
  • Emotional distress: If hair loss is causing significant emotional distress or affecting your quality of life, seeking professional help can provide support and treatment options.

Consulting a healthcare professional can help you determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and guide you toward the most effective treatment plan.

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100% Online Process & Unlimited Support

Hims: Regrow hair in as few as 3-6 months

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Disclosures:

*Currently, oral Finasteride is FDA-approved, but Topical Finasteride is not. Topical Minoxidil is also FDA approved. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35238144/

**Off-label usage should be done with caution https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9998554/

*** There are other medications available on the market, which claim to treat AGA. These medications are, however, not FDA approved for MPB. Ketoconazole, (Nizoral) shampoo, is also known to inhibit 5AR, the enzyme which converts testosterone to DHT. Preliminary research suggests that ketoconazole shampoo may be beneficial in men suffering from androgenic alopecia [10, 11]. Support for this also stems from a study in 1998 which compared ketoconazole shampoo 2% to the proven hair loss drug minoxidil in men with androgenic alopecia [10]. The study concluded that hair density, size, and proportion of anagen follicles were improved almost similarly by both ketoconazole and 2% minoxidil regimens. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3262531/

Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. We earn a commission from advertiser links on Forbes Health. Commissions affect how and where advertiser’s offers appear on the site.

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