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Genetic hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, occurs in both men and women. However, you can grow your hair back with advanced genetic hair-loss treatments across the medical, clinical, and surgical spheres. As per recent research, genetic hair loss can be managed. Whether it's topical medications like Minoxidil or Finasteride, hair transplant methods like Follicular Unit Extraction and Transplantation, or Low-Level Laser Therapies and Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapies, these FDA-approved hair loss treatment options help your hair grow back naturally while strengthening your hair follicles.
Genetic hair loss is the most common form of hair loss. Most individuals go through androgenic alopecia in their lifetime. While earlier individuals resorted to natural, homemade remedies to counter this kind of hair loss, today’s technological advancements in medicine and science have made it easier for hair to grow back.
What is genetic hair loss?
Genetic hair loss starts gradually. You see the first signs: hair strands on your pillowcase, comb, or in the shower drain; a wider part line; or hair retreating from your temple. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the hormone responsible for genetic hair loss. It shrinks hair follicles and shortens the growth phase, causing hair thinning and ultimately leading to pattern baldness.
How is genetic hair loss diagnosed?
Both men and women undergo genetic hair loss.
In men, male pattern baldness begins with hair loss from the temples and an M-shaped hairline recession. As and when the hairline declines, the recession is in the shape of M, U, or V. Excessive hair loss at the back of the head causes a horseshoe or U-shaped hairline at the crown.
While hair loss in women is not as severe as in men, it can follow the Ludwig pattern, resulting in a wider part line.
Medical treatments for genetic hair loss
We cannot alter our genetic makeup. But we can take steps to mitigate its effects. Here are a few genetic hair loss treatments you can consider -
Topical treatments
Minoxidil
Originally a vasodilator used to help regulate blood pressure, Minoxidil (also known as Rogaine) improves blood circulation to the scalp, stimulating hair follicle growth. Available as a liquid or foam solution (2% and 5% concentrations), Minoxidil is applied to the scalp where hair thinning or bald patches are more prominent.
Finasteride
Finasteride (also known as Propecia) is a prescription medication primarily used to treat male pattern baldness. It prevents the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which causes hair follicles to miniaturize. It is prescribed to post-menopausal women only under medical supervision.
Oral supplements
Dutasteride
Dutasteride is a second-generation 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that blocks both Type I and Type II of this enzyme. Many studies suggest that dutasteride outperforms finasteride in blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.
Hormonal therapy
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is widely used as an effective treatment method for female pattern baldness. It has antiandrogenic properties that reduce testosterone production in the adrenal gland, thereby preventing female-pattern hair loss.
Clinical (non-surgical) treatments for hair loss
Platelet-rich plasma therapy
This modern, non-surgical treatment involves injecting a concentrated solution of a patient’s own platelets into the scalp. It not only increases blood supply to hair follicles but also provides essential nutrients to hair roots, leading to thicker, new hair.
Low-level laser therapy
Red light therapy, or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), for hair loss uses light at specific wavelengths to stimulate hair follicles, improve blood circulation, and encourage hair growth.
Other LLLT methods include Alma TED and Tricopat treatments, which stimulate hair follicles.
Exosome
Exosome therapy is an upcoming treatment method in regenerative medicine. These small-sized vesicles inside stem cells contain potent cytokines that promote hair growth. They permeate tissues and are secreted by cells to facilitate cell-to-cell communication.
During this treatment, concentrated exosomes from stem cells are injected into affected parts of the scalp to prompt follicles to re-enter their growth phase.
Surgical options for genetic hair loss
Hair transplant overview
The most effective way to get natural-looking hair is through a hair transplant.
FUE vs FUT: What is the difference?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) are effective methods for hair transplantation.
FUE involves removing individual hair follicles from your skin and moving them to a part of the scalp that experiences hair thinning or where hair is absent. This non-invasive hair transplant method ensures minimal scarring.
FUT is a technique where a strip of scalp (preferably the back of the head) is surgically removed, microscopically dissected into individual follicular units, and then re-inserted into parts of the scalp with hair deficit. However, it leaves one minor linear incision at the donor site.
Both these methods promise to restore hair density, helping you regain confidence.
Who is a good candidate for a hair transplant?
Individuals seeking a more permanent treatment for genetic hair loss are ideal candidates for a hair transplant.
One treatment to regain your hair can be quite time-consuming. For the best results, combine 2 or more therapies. For instance, while you undergo PRP or a hair transplant surgery, you can also consume Minoxidil to boost hair growth.
How to choose the right treatment for you
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to the best genetic hair loss treatment. The right treatment depends on several parameters -
- The stage of hair loss you’re experiencing
- Age
- Budgetary restrictions
- Comfort with medications and medical procedures
Genetic hair loss may feel overwhelming, but with advancements in medicine, you can grow your hair back like it never left. You can also leverage Traya’s Ultimate Hair supplements combo, where its two components – Hair Rais and Hair Vitamin - are powerhouses of all-natural ingredients. Biotin, Guduchi, Arjuna, Bhringraj, Ashwagandha, Pumpkin Seed Extract, and Green Tea Extract – all these powerful ingredients promote hair regrowth and pave the path for a healthy scalp.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age does genetic hair loss start?
Genetic hair loss varies from person to person. It begins in the late teens to early 20s in men and in the mid-30s to mid-40s in women, particularly during the menopausal phase.
How long does it take to see results from genetic hair fall treatments?
Most of these genetic hair fall treatments take a few months to show visible results. Within 2-3 months, you may witness reduced hair fall. It can take about 4-6 months to see noticeable results, and 6-12 months for your hair actually to grow back to its healthy self.
When should you consider a hair transplant?
Consider undergoing hair transplant surgery only when your hair loss is advanced, or if hair shedding continues despite taking medications.
Is a hair transplant a permanent solution?
If you’re experiencing excessive hair loss and have reached the balding stage, hair transplant treatments can come to your rescue. It provides a long-lasting solution to balding.
Is combining two or more treatments better for hair growth?
One treatment to regain your hair can be quite time-consuming. For the best results, combine 2 or more therapies. For instance, while you undergo PRP or hair transplant surgery, you can also consume Minoxidil to boost hair growth.
Will the treatment go on forever?
In most cases, yes. You cannot stop genetic hair loss. So, genetic hair fall treatments need to be consistent for your hair to grow back thicker and stronger. Once you discontinue treatment, the new hair will soon begin to thin as it enters the telogen phase.
References:
- https://ishrs.org/treatments-for-hair-loss-in-men/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9298335/
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