HOW TO REGROW THINNING HAIR: OPTIONS & TREATMENTS

What are the best hair loss treatment options for men?

Male hair loss is prominent, but the treatments available are quite limited, despite how far science has come in recent years. There are thousands of products on the market that make far fetched claims, but in reality, most of them do not work. 

So, how many options are there, and what are the best hair loss treatments for men on the market? In this article, we'll go through the only options and treatments that can help prevent thinning hair, and support the healthy function of hair growth. 

Medical Treatments for Hair loss

What are they? There are currently only two types of medically approved treatments for hair loss, and they are:

• Finasteride, sold under the brand names Proscar and Propecia among others, is a medication used to treat hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia in men. It can also be used to treat excessive hair growth in women and as a part of hormone therapy for transgender women. It is taken by mouth.
• Minoxidil, sold under the brand name Regaine/Rogaine among others, is a medication used for the treatment of high blood pressure and pattern hair loss. It is an antihypertensive vasodilator. It is available as a generic medication by prescription in oral tablet form and over the counter as a topical liquid or foam.

Pros: Finasteride and minoxidil have been medically approved, which means, during tests, they have been shown to have some effect on hair loss prevention. 

Cons: Like with any medical treatment, there are many risks of negative side-effects. Finasteride, in particular, can give negative side-effects, such as erectile dysfunction, low libido, headaches, depression, feminisation, and skin rash.  Also, once you start using these treatments, you have to keep using them for as long as you want to keep your hair. Once you stop using the treatments, your hair will fall out. 

Verdict: Medical treatments can be effective, but you'll most likely have to compromise on your health and wellbeing. We wouldn't advise young men in their 20s to take such treatments, without first exploring other safer options. 

Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF)

What is it? Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is an important endogenous mediator of hair follicle growth, development, and differentiation. Normalisation of the nu/nu follicular differentiation defect and amelioration of chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

Keratinocyte growth factor has shown to be an effective treatment for various male and female hair loss types. KGF is most commonly, and most effectively, used within a topical serum.  

Pros: KGF is generally regarded as a safe formula to use, with no major negative side-effects. It is a safer alternative to minoxidil, which many people would prefer to avoid. KGF is also effective, and only needs to be applied 3-4 times per week. 

Cons: Despite its effectiveness, KGF can be quite expensive. Expect to pay in the region of £40-£50 for a 30ml dosage, which equates to around 4-6 weeks usage. 

Verdict: KGF is a good, hard working formula that makes a safe and effective alternative to minoxidil. It's definitely worth trying, before you even consider harsh medical drugs. 

HR23+ Hair Supplement

What is it? HR23+ is a leading multivitamin hair supplement, designed to prevent hair fall, and support hair growth, in men and women who suffer from earlier stages of thinning hair. Made from 23 key hair beneficiary ingredients, HR23+ works at the root cause of hair loss. 

Cases will vary with each individual, but on average, about 9 out of 10 users have been pleased with the effects HR23+ has had on their hair. For men, HR23+ can dramatically slow down excessive hair fall, and increase the thickness of hair strands.

Pros: Preliminary studies indicate that HR23+ is effective for the vast majority of men and women suffering from hair loss. HR23+ contains specific ingredients shown to support hair, follicle, or scalp health. It is also a safe supplement to take, with no major negative side-effects, which makes it a good alternative to harsh prescription drugs. 

Cons: Despite its effectiveness, HR23+ does come at a price. Expect to pay in the region of £40-£50 per month for this supplement, however, you can purchase the product at a much lower price when you buy in multipacks, or take advantage of their regular offers. 

Verdict: HR23+ is the best multivitamin hair supplement on the market. Many guys use HR23+ as a safe alternative to finasteride. HR23+ is effective for the hair, and completely free from negative sides.

Ketoconazole Shampoo (Nizoral)

What is it? Ketoconazole shampoo is helpful for persistent or more severe forms of dandruff. It contains an antifungal agent which kills the yeast-like germs, which cause the flaking of the scalp. Ketoconazole shampoo is also prescribed for a skin condition called pityriasis versicolor.

Ketoconazole shampoo, most commonly branded as Nizoral, is also used as a hair loss treatment for androgenetic alopecia (genetic pattern baldness) in both men and women.

Pros: When used in conjunction with other treatments, as part of a hair care plan, ketoconazole shampoo has shown to have positive effects on the hair. It can help reduce shedding, and encourage healthy hair growth. Nizoral is also affordably priced at around £3-£5 a bottle. 

Cons: In some individuals, Nizoral shampoo may cause either oiliness or dryness of the hair or scalp, abnormal hair texture, or discoloration. It can cause permed hair to lose its curl as well.

Verdict: Nizoral is cheap, you only have to use it once a week, and its sides are minimal. This product makes a good addition to a hair care plan. You have very little to lose from using it. 

Other Treatment Options 

The products mentioned above can be effective for men who are experiencing early stages of thinning hair. Below, there are various, more expensive and advanced hair loss treatment options available, however, these tend to be for older men, who are at more advanced stages of baldness. 

These sorts of treatments include: 

• Hair transplantation surgery
• Low light laser therapy (LLLT)
• Micropigmentation
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
• Hair system

If you are suffering from early stages of hair loss, then you should avoid hair surgery for as long as possible. Your main aim should be to slow down and halt your hair loss, for as long as possible. This can be achieved with products like finasteride, minoxidil, KGF, HR23+, and Nizoral.